United States v. MacDonald

This case presents the issue whether a defendant, before trial, may appeal a federal district court’s order denying his motion to dismiss an indictment because of an alleged violation of his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial. 1

I

In February 1970, respondent Jeffrey R. MacDonald was a physician in military service stationed at Fort . Bragg in North Carolina. He held the rank of captain in the Army-Medical Corps.

Captain MacDonald’s wife and their two daughters were murdered on February 17 at respondent’s quarters. Respondent also sustained injury on that occasion. The military police, the…