bail reform — Blog — Criminal Injustice

#130 Does Eliminating Cash Bail Harm Public Safety? (reprise)

More US jurisdictions are questioning the use of money bail systems for pretrial release from jail. But many in law enforcement and the bail bond industry say this will damage public safety. Is that true? What really happens when you trash cash bail?

InterviewsDavid HarrisJuly 27, 2021Don Stemen, Loyola University, cash bail, Chicago, bail reform

#131: Does Eliminating Cash Bail Harm Public Safety?

More US jurisdictions are questioning the use of money bail systems for pretrial release from jail. But many in law enforcement and the bail bond industry say this will damage public safety. Is that true? What really happens when you trash cash bail?

InterviewsDavid HarrisDecember 15, 2020Don Stemen, Loyola University, Chicago, cash bail, bail reform, 121-150

#76: Using Data Instead of Bail (reprise)

Criminal Injustice returns with a new season on September 4, 2018. Until then, we're reposting some of our favorite past episodes. This episode originally appeared February 20, 2018.

#20: How Bail Traps the Poor

To get released before trial, most American courts require defendants to post bail money. For people too poor to raise even the lowest amounts, this means staying in jail while waiting for trial to begin. Regardless of guilt, those with means can walk free to prepare from afar. Staying in jail awaiting trial damages both lives and legal cases: people in custody lose jobs, housing, and property, and statistics show that they end up with longer sentences if they’re found guilty. And all of this costs taxpayers billions. But there's a better way.