What is a significant change introduced by the Federal Bail Reform Act of 1984?

The Federal Bail Reform Act of 1984 introduced the ability to hold defendants without bail under certain circumstances, particularly for serious offenses. This significant change aimed at addressing concerns related to public safety and the risks posed by defendants who might commit additional crimes or fail to appear for their court dates if released on bail. Prior to this legislation, the focus was predominantly on the right to bail, leading to situations where dangerous individuals could secure release easily. This act allowed judges to evaluate the nature of the offense, the defendant's past criminal history, and the risk of flight before granting bail or deciding to keep the defendant in custody. This shift emphasizes the balance between an individual's right to pretrial release and the protection of community safety.