What is the longest court case ever?

Asked by: Verlie Abernathy  |  Last update: January 3, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (33 votes)

Introduction. Myra Clark Gaines' 19th century fight over an enormous inheritance is still the longest-running civil lawsuit in American history, taking over 60 years to finally find some kind of resolution. The United States Supreme Court called her case "the most remarkable in the records."

Which is the longest case in the world?

The longest jury trial in history was the McMartin Preschool Trial, a criminal case brought against members of a family that operated a preschool in Manhattan Beach, California.

What is the longest pending case in court history?

Nine-judge bench | Pending for 30 years 11 months and 8 days

This case is one of the connected matters in the main matter of Property Owners' Association v State of Maharashtra. Property Owners' is one of the nine-judge bench cases listed to be heard by the Supreme Court in 2024.

How long is the average court case?

Average is usually more than 90 days but less than a year if you waive speedy trial.

What is the most famous court case of all time?

These are the 7 famous Supreme Court cases that have defined a nation.
  • Marbury v. Madison.
  • Dred Scott v. Sandford.
  • Brown v. Board of Education.
  • Mapp v. Ohio.
  • Gideon v. Wainwright.
  • Miranda v. Arizona.
  • Roe v. Wade.

Young Thug: The Longest Trial In History

22 related questions found

What was the quickest court case?

On 22 July 2004, Nicholas Clive McAllister (New Zealand) was acquitted of cultivating cannabis plants at a hearing that lasted just one minute at Greymouth District Court, Greymouth, West Coast, New Zealand The jury left to consider the verdict at 3.28pm and returned at 3.29 pm.

What was the longest lasting court case?

Introduction. Myra Clark Gaines' 19th century fight over an enormous inheritance is still the longest-running civil lawsuit in American history, taking over 60 years to finally find some kind of resolution. The United States Supreme Court called her case "the most remarkable in the records."

What happens to 90% of court cases?

The defendant enters a plea to the charges brought by the U.S. Attorney at a court hearing known as arraignment. More than 90 percent of defendants plead guilty rather than go to trial.

How long is a day in court?

Depending on the trial judge, the trial schedule will run from 9:00 - 5:00 with 2-15 minute breaks and an hour lunch or the trial will run from 8:30 to 2:30 with 2-20 minute breaks and no lunch. Occasionally, a trial will extend past 5:00 pm in order, for example, to complete a line of testimony.

How long is a full size court?

The typical court dimensions for a standard sized full court used in NBA professional basketball and college play is 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. However, a lot of the time when someone is purchasing a basketball goal for their home, they often are looking at a half court dimensions.

What is the longest court sentence ever?

One of the most striking examples of an incredibly long sentence is the case of Chamoy Thipyaso, a Thai woman who, in 1989, was sentenced to an astounding 141,078 years for corporate fraud related to a pyramid scheme.

Who has been in court the longest?

The longest serving Justice was William O. Douglas who served for 36 years, 7 months, and 8 days from 1939 to 1975. Which Associate Justice served the shortest Term?

What is the biggest civil case?

The Largest Civil Lawsuit Settlement Amounts and Verdicts in U.S. History and Why They Matter
  • The Biggest Lawsuit Ever: The Tobacco Settlement — $206 Billion. ...
  • British Petroleum (BP) Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill — $20 Billion. ...
  • Volkswagen Emissions Scandal — $14.7 Billion. ...
  • General Motors Auto Defect Case — $4.9 Billion.

What is the longest court session in history?

Lasting for more than fifty years, the Myra Clark Gaines litigation is known as the longest case in US history, beginning around 1834 and culminating in a ruling in her favor and against the City of New Orleans in 1889.

What is the longest sentence in the world?

Jonathan Coe's 2001 novel The Rotters' Club has a sentence with 13,955 words. It was inspired by Bohumil Hrabal's Dancing Lessons for the Advanced in Age: a Czech language novel written in one long sentence.

What is the 7 day rule in court?

The court's mandate must issue 7 days after the time to file a petition for rehearing expires, or 7 days after entry of an order denying a timely petition for panel rehearing, petition for rehearing en banc, or motion for stay of mandate, whichever is later. The court may shorten or extend the time by order.

How long is night court?

Night Court is an American television sitcom that premiered on NBC on January 4, 1984, and ended on May 31, 1992, after nine seasons consisting of 193 episodes.

What not to tell a judge?

Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge:
  • 'I Did It. ' ...
  • 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
  • Expletives. ...
  • Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
  • 'I Will Represent Myself.

Is there a time limit in court?

A statute of limitation is a time limit that applies to certain types of court cases. Many causes of action will have different time limits based on the laws of the state. It is important to know what your legal claim is and how long you have to bring it.

Who has the most power in the courtroom?

The judge is the central figure in the courtroom and typically is seated higher than everyone else. The judge allows each side the opportunity to present its version of the facts. A court reporter (in superior court), a clerk, and a bailiff each assists the judge with the trial.

Do cases get dropped?

Suppose you've been charged with one or more crimes in California. Discovering that some or all of the charges have been dropped can be a massive relief. Getting charges dropped is often the best outcome in criminal cases, making it a common defense strategy for attorneys, especially at the start of the case.

What was the stupidest court case?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry.

How many cases never go to court?

By some estimates, only 2% to 3% of criminal cases go to trial. It's no secret that the overwhelming majority of criminal cases never reach trial. The prosecution may dismiss charges, perhaps because of a lack of evidence.