statutes provide for a longer period from the offence to the commencement of the trial. In cases involving offences under the common law, there is no time-limit within which the trial of the accused must take place. Again, in both solemn cases and in summary cases involving statutory offences, if the accused person is not brought to trial at the end of these time-limits, then that person may not be tried for the offence concerned. 211. The Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1987 enabled the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to make regulations to set time-limits in relation to preliminary proceedings for terrorist-related offences, in view of the concern at the length of time during which terrorist suspects were being held on remand before trial. This power has not so far been exercised; but a number of administrative measures have been taken within the criminal justice system in order to eliminate avoidable delays. For those in custody at the time of trial charged with scheduled offences, the average period from remand to committal fell from 27 weeks in 1985 to 24 weeks in 1988, and from committal to arraignment from 16 weeks to 9 weeks. Compensation for wrongful conviction 212. Since the second report, the United Kingdom has introduced legislation to incorporate on a statutory basis the provisions of article 14, paragraph 6, of the Covenant. Under section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, a person convicted of a criminal offence which has been quashed by the Court of Appeal, under application made outside the normal time—limits or following action by the Secretary of State to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal or in respect of which a pardon has been granted, has a right to apply for payment 
**Analysis**
The text appears to discuss laws and regulations related to criminal justice, specifically the time limits for trials and compensation for wrongful convictions. It does not seem to be related to economic development, natural resources, environment, agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, transport, communication, international trade, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, relief, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
Justice, Humanitarian aid and relief