Procedural speed is a pillar of any justice system, but it should not be the only one. Justice must serve the purpose of a fair decision, rather than becoming a factory for flawed and shortsighted rulings. This article argues that the current focus on efficiency, performance indicators, and rankings risks undermining the democratic rule of law. While the Portuguese Constitution guarantees both a reasonable timeframe and effective judicial protection, these values must be complementary. The author warns that prioritizing speed over the right to be heard and thorough deliberation threatens the quality of justice, transforming courts into assembly lines and ignoring the complexity of individual cases. True justice requires a balance between responsible efficiency and the necessary time for reflection and due process.