COMMITTED TO COMMITTALS

This articles examines the reasons behind the decision not to implemen t the transfer-for-trial system in England and Wales and outlines the ''modified'' committals procedure which is to replace it. An analysis of the two sets of reforms is presented tit the context of a potential for tension between ''justice'' and ''efficiency''. It is argued that managerialist pressures on the rights of accused persons may degrade the quality of justice in the pre-trial process unless appropriate saf eguards are enshrined and observed.