Chronolawgy: A Study of Law and Temporal Perception

Abstract

Speed permeates nearly every aspect of modern society. Businesses must deliver information, goods, and services at an ever-increasing pace to match the expectations of the high speed society we live in in the twenty-first century. However, the legal system must work and evolve at its own pace to accommodate such fundamental aspects as due process and zealous advocacy. This article explores the conflict that arises between a society accustomed to instant gratification and constant flux when confronted with a legal system that must operate deliberately and change infrequently by design. Beginning with a discussion of how human beings understand and interact with time, the article then explores the rise of the modern fast-paced society. The article then explores the pace of the American justice system and the difference between the speed at which the legal system operates as compared to other industries or institutions. Finally, the article examines methods for combatting the rushed nature of the modern era in the hope of preserving the ideals that the legal system represents.