What is the impact of "bail reform" on pretrial release?

Bail reform is designed to address the disparities in how defendants are treated within the judicial system, particularly focusing on the socioeconomic factors that can contribute to unfair outcomes. Traditionally, the bail system often disproportionately affected low-income individuals who could not afford to pay cash bail, resulting in their prolonged detention while awaiting trial, while wealthier defendants might gain immediate release.

The essence of bail reform is to promote a more just and equitable system by minimizing reliance on cash bail. It encourages the use of alternative methods for ensuring defendants show up for their court dates, which can include risk assessments, supervised release programs, and recognizance bonds. Such measures aim to ensure that pretrial justice is not based on a defendant’s financial status, thereby promoting fairness and equality.

In contrast, other options suggest a continuation of or a determination to enforce a system that could perpetuate inequities, which is counter to the goals of bail reform. For example, increasing reliance on cash bail would further entrench economic disparities, while focusing solely on violent offenders would ignore a large number of non-violent cases affected by the bail system. Thus, the impact of bail reform significantly contributes to fairer treatment of defendants, aligning with the principles of justice and equality.