JUSTICE SHOULD ALSO BE SPEEDY FOR THE VICTIMS

America's legal system guarantees speedy justice for the accused. But what about the victims of crime? They, too, deserve resolution in a reasonable period of time.

Ten years have passed since Jerome Mallet shot and killed Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper James Froemsdorf. And a decade later, no resolution is in sight. Sarah Froemsdorf, the trooper's widow, says her family can't move on until Mallett's fate is finally decided.

Mallett sits on death row at the Potosi Correctional Center. The last appeal of Mallett's death sentence has remained undecided on a federal judge's desk for five years.

Attorney General Jay Nixon says he's disappointed with the length of time it has taken the federal court to rule on the latest appeal. Nixon has the responsibility of arguing against Mallett's appeal when a hearing is scheduled. But Nixon admits that it typically takes at least 10 years from the time of an offense to an active death warrant. That's too long.

The Froemsdorf family has suffered enough. It's time for this case to proceed toward resolution.