I've seen plea bargains clear out court dockets in months, yet murders can drag on for years before trial. The law treats time as neutral, but delay actually benefits whoever has more money for bail and high-priced attorneys. A defendant who can't afford bail sits in jail for six months waiting for trial, which is already a punishment before any verdict. Should we enshrine a speedy trial as a real, enforceable deadline for both sides, with cases dismissed if the state misses it?