Brought to trial

Brought to trial generally refers to scheduling a legal case for a hearing,[1] or to bring a defendant to court.

Most often, the terms brought to trial, bring to trial, brought to justice and bring to justice refer to the prosecution at trial of alleged war criminals[3] and political prisoners,[4][5] as well as those accused of treason or misprision of treason, sexual assault, and other infamous crimes.

[6][7] In some cases, the context of the term actually indicates a speedy trial issue, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Schedule 1[15] of the Interpretation Act 1978 defines:“Committed for trial” means—(a) in relation to England and Wales, committed in custody or on bail by a magistrates’ court pursuant to section 6 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, or by any judge or other authority having power to do so, with a view to trial before a judge and jury; [1889](b) in relation to Northern Ireland, committed in custody or on bail by a magistrates’ court pursuant to Article 37 of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, or by a court, judge, resident magistrate or other authority having power to do so, with a view to trial on indictment.

[1st January 1979]“Sent for trial” means, in relation to England and Wales, sent by a magistrates' court to the Crown Court for trial pursuant to section 51 or 51A of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.