The Civil Rights Implications of Cash Bail

This project will evaluate the current state of money bail in operation in states and local jurisdictions around the country, and how it impacts the fair administration of justice as well as whether it operates in a manner that denies equal protection of the law to individuals on the basis of race or another protected class. It will also evaluate the role of the private bail industry and how the involvement of the private sector exacerbates or mitigates these impacts. The project will also evaluate different reforms that have been enacted to address these systemic impacts, either by state legislation, citizen referendums, litigation settlements, or otherwise. In evaluating these reforms, the project will look at whether federal involvement has impacted the state of money bail, and what the appropriate role of the federal government is to ensure the fair administration of justice.