Solution to the slowness of justice: unpunished criminals?

The slowness of justice is a serious illness of the system – cause of limitation of rights and an obstacle to truly effective legal protection. Justice within a reasonable time, particularly in criminal proceedings, is a right enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (art. 14, no. 3 al. c)), in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (art. 47), in the European Convention on Human Rights (art. 6, no. 1) and, in particular, in the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic (art. 20, no. 4). It is therefore unquestionably a fundamental right which, when violated, is likely to affect other fundamental rights and freedoms. It is therefore necessary to urgently tackle this disease in a serious and effective manner.