Bail and Bail Reform in the United States

• In Event: Pre-trial detention and bail

Abstract

The United States has one of the highest rates of pretrial detention in the world, particularly compared with European countries. In part to reduce the number of unconvicted people incarcerated in jail, over the last decade, numerous states and local jurisdictions have engaged in bail reform efforts. This paper examines and assesses these efforts. It begins by briefly describing the prevalence of money bail and the commercial bond industry in most U.S. states and the problems with this type of pretrial justice system. Next it discusses and assesses the variety of bail reform efforts over the last decade. It concludes by reflecting on the impact of these recent reforms and looks to the future of bail reform in the United States.

Author

• Christine Scott-Hayward, California State University Long Beach