Five teenagers were wrongly convicted of a brutal assault and rape that occurred in New York’s Central Park. The decision against these 5 adolescents was made in a rush due to public outrage, media scrutiny, and a climate of fear. This was a life example of Justice Hurried is Justice Buried. Before going into the whole detail of that very case, let’s first explore Justice Hurried is Justice Buried in 2025, its issues, repercussions and solutions.

What is Justice Hurried is Justice Buried?

As per the prudent dispensing of Justice, it is better that 10 guilty persons go free than that one innocent person be convicted. Here in the case of Justice Hurried is Justice Buried or either in Justice Delayed is Justice Denied, it is the innocent most of the time suffer and pay the price for the ongoing adventure. Justice hurried is Justice buried means that the more rushed the justice process is, the more it will endanger the transparency and acceptability of the judicial proceedings. For more simpler understanding of the legal saying “Justice hurried is justice buried”, it suggests that rushing legal proceedings can compromise fairness, likely leading to wrongful conclusions. Giving sufficient time for proper investigation, reasoned deliberation to ensure fair and just results and evidence gathering are the main highlights of this principle.

New York v. Santana (1989) – The Central Park Five:

The case New York v. Santana is also known as the Central Park Jogger Case in which five boys have been wrongfully accused in the sexual assault, rape and attempt to murder of a female jogger Trisha Meili in the Central Park of New York. These boys were called the Central Park Five as they were five in number. It serves as a compelling precedent of justice hurriedly leading to a miscarriage of justice. The decision by the Court was finalized in connection with the immense pressure put by the public and media of the United States of America. This rush to judgment followed the coerced confessions of the teenagers who were convicted based on these confessions. Although, years after, DNA evidence exonerated them, revealing that they were innocent. Also, the serial rapist Matias Reyes come forward and confirm that he was the main culprit behind the offence in 2002. This grave miscarriage of justice is possible only due to the rush in the legal proceedings, as these boys spend the beautiful time of their lives in prison for a crime they did not commit. Now all five boys are in their 40s and filed a civil suit against the New York government, receiving $41m in the settlement (about £45.5m today).

The whole case is also televised in the Netflix Drama When They See Us!

ISSUE of Hurried Justice:

The population of most countries has increased, due to which there are instances of speedy trials, and cases are being heard on a day-to-day basis. There is a struggle in managing such an enormous number of cases being filed every day. The government needs reforms on an emergency basis to cope and tackle such an important issue, as without justice, the concept of a civilized world will fade.

REPERCUSSIONS of Hurried Justice:

The consequences of Hurried Justice are terrible enough to destroy the life of someone, as discussed before in the Central Park Jogger Case. Also, the credibility of the Courts is also shaken after the disposal of such a decision. The repercussions of hurried justice to be improved, and overcome with the support of the other two pillars of the state i.e. legislation and executive with the judiciary. Laws and policy to be made and implemented sin compliance with the mitigating factors of pressure from the outside of Court which include Media, Public and inside of Court which include the appointment of judicial stuff.

Solutions to Justice Hurried is Justice Buried:

1. Introduction of Technology and Automation:

The introduction of technology into the legal system is the dare need of the today’s world, making the process more effective, efficient and reducing the backlog of cases. The usage of digital court records, electronic filing systems and online case administration can speed up the exchange of information and evidence in suits or cases, lessen delays caused by paperwork.

2. Efficient Case Management:

The efficiency in the case management can achieve elegant balance between hurried and delayed justice. It includes deadlines, setting a timetable and monitoring the advancement of cases. This process can speed up the legal procedure without compromising transparency.

3. Balancing the Scales towards Fairness:

There must be a scale between delayed and hurried justice, as both of them are disastrous for society in general and for an individual in personam. Achieving the equilibrium is the core factor for preserving justice and public confidence in the legal proceedings.

4. Access to Legal Support and Aid:

Access to legal aid and support is another solution to the hurried justice. Regardless of financial status, it is essential to mitigate the negative impact of both hurried justice as well as delayed justice. Here, in this regard, legal aid organizations play a critical role in providing this support to those who cannot afford it.

5. Uninterrupted Professional Development:

Professional training and development are encouraged throughout the globe as it is changing and evolving with the passage of time. Uninterrupted education and training for lawyers, judges, and law enforcement agencies personnel is to be given with a first preference as it is vital for enhancing their skills and judgment. This can reduce the certainty of unnecessary delays in justice or rushed judgments.

Conclusion:

I believe that waiting for sufficient evidence is preferable to rushing to convict someone. If the judgment is delayed due to a lack of evidence, it should not be considered unjust. However, if the judgment is delayed due to corruption, it is undoubtedly an injustice.

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