Court Opinion

ID: 9629397
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 09:42:05.856802+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:07:18.805866
License: Public Domain

THOMAS, Justice,
specially concurring.
I am in complete accord with all that is said in the opinion of the Court. I do have one additional concern. Delay in the prosecution of a criminal case is as likely to be detrimental to the State as to the defendant. The dimming of memories; the loss of evidence; or the unavailability of witnesses may prevent the State from carrying its burden of proving a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The best interests of the citizens are served by prompt and sure punishment of those who commit crimes. Not only have those responsible for the prosecution of this case violated the rights of 'these defendants, but they also have failed to perform the responsibilities, which by virtue of their offices, they have assumed. Public officials should not casually or designedly hazard the interest of the people in enforcement of the laws of the State. Those who do should expect to account to their constituencies for such failures for they have not accomplished the obligations of the offices which they hold.