Texas must reform “jackpot justice” bail system
Texas’ current bail system relies on the luck of the draw instead of objective decision-making. Lawmakers must act to avoid more costly federal litigation and stop gambling with our safety and liberty.
Texas’ current bail system relies on the luck of the draw instead of objective decision-making. Lawmakers must act to avoid more costly federal litigation and stop gambling with our safety and liberty.
Ability to pay an amount of money determines whether many people will be held in jail until their trials or sent home, instead of whether they pose risks to their communities, their likelihood to commit new crimes or whether they’ll come back to court for hearings or trials.
It may surprise some, but Texas is widely viewed as a national leader on criminal justice reform. This year, state lawmakers have the ability capitalize on that success.