Councilmember Morano asks Judge Zayas for single most impactful reform

You identify discovery compliance, competency restoration, plea negotiations, defense counsel resources, and prosecutorial practices as major causes of delay.

And I agree with you on everything.

Many of which, as you pointed out, are outside the judiciary's control.

If you could change just one thing outside the courts tomorrow, what single reform would have the greatest impact on reducing delays?

That's a good question.

I mean, I, judges need to be empowered to move a case to trial.

And the case law does not allow a judge to move a case to trial.

Even though the parties have, may I continue?

Yeah, that's for me.

So,

to give judges more power to move a case to trial over the objection of a prosecutor or of a defense attorney.

And judges are reticent to do that sometimes because of the reasons that happen, the reasons that people give for requesting an adjournment, but especially with respect to prosecutors.

Once a prosecutor answers not ready, unless the prosecutor has been warned numerous, numerous, numerous times, you've got to start on this date.

So giving judges some more power to do that.

I may have other questions in the second round, if possible.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you for that.