NCJ Number
9136
Date Published
1967
Length
270 pages
Annotation
LIMITATIONS OF THE BAIL SYSTEM - EVIDENCE PRESENTED ON ITS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ABUSE, POSSIBLE DISCRIMINATORY EFFECTS AND INABILITY TO MEET ITS STATED GOALS.
Abstract
THIS STUDY, WHICH PREDATED THE 1966 BAIL REFORM ACT, REVIEWS THE NATURE AND ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN BAIL SYSTEM AND INCLUDES A DISCUSSION OF ITS UNDERLYING PHILOSPHY. THE POOR AND DEFENDANTS WITH UNPOPULAR CAUSES ARE IDENTIFIED AS THE VICTIMS OF THE BAIL SYSTEM AND THE BONDSMEN AS THE BENEFICIARIES OF THE SYSTEM. THE PRE-1966 SYSTEM IS DESCRIBED AS KEEPING INNOCENT PERSONS IN JAIL AND PERMITTING FREEDOM TO MANY DANGEROUS PERSONS, THUS DEFEATING SOCIETY'S INTERESTS. SEVERAL ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT PRETRIAL PROCEDURES ARE PROPOSED, AND THE AMERICAN BAIL SYSTEM IS COMPARED TO PRETRIAL DETENTION IN SEVERAL OTHER NATIONS.