9/11 Judge sets time limit on Trial

Ever hear of setting a time limit on a trial? Personally it doesn't seem right - I'd think a judge would be a proponent of trying to get to the truth whether it takes more time or not. I understand that some trials may seem too long, but what if it really takes that long to provide all the evidence?

The family of Mark Bavis, a passenger on the second plane to hit the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, is determined to prove what it believes was negligence, has resisted attempts to settle. Theirs is the last wrongful-death action still pending of more than 90 filed after the attacks. Thousands of other families avoided court and received payments through a victims’ compensation fund.

But now, after this seemingly endless run-up, with a trial scheduled for later this year, the judge, Alvin K. Hellerstein of Federal District Court in Manhattan, has set a time limit. In a highly unusual move, Judge Hellerstein will restrict each side to the same number of hours — in one estimate, 50 to 60 — to present its case, and time the trial like a speed chess match.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/nyregion/at-911-trial-lawyers-will-watch-the-clock.html