A criminologist whose nephew died in prison awaiting trial explains why the federal government’s proposed bail reforms will reduce, not enhance, safety without big investments in correctional systems.
Articles on Bail reform
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To build safer communities, the federal government should commit to investing in support services while also helping provinces better monitor and enforce bail conditions.
While high-profile bail cases tend to dominate media coverage, policy on criminal and legal matters must be guided by evidence, not headlines.
Higher jail mortality is related to jail turnover rates and demographics.
Poccum’s Law provides a best practice, evidence-based model for bail reform which would have prevented Veronica Nelson’s death in custody.
Those determining bail must reflect on their own beliefs and show restraint as they determine risk to avoid relying on false racist narratives. So should those calling for bail reform.
Arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and denied bail, Veronica Nelson died alone in a cell. A Victorian coroner has called for urgent reform of the state’s tough bail laws.
To protect communities, we must improve the likelihood that accused people can comply with their bail conditions by offering greater support on several fronts, from social services to law enforcement.
A new wave of prosecutors, known as progressives, say that public safety can exist with policies like eliminating cash bail for people charged with low-level offenses.
Top contributors
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Assistant Professor, Justice Studies, University of Guelph-Humber
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Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Guelph
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Associate Professor of History, Florida International University
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Assistant Professor of Law, University of Windsor
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Professor, Department of Justice Studies, Montclair State University
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ARC DECRA Associate Professor in Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University
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Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, Adelaide University
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Professor of Criminology, Australian National University
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PhD student, Criminology, University of Guelph
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Research Assistant, Criminal Justice and Public Policy, University of Guelph
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Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Guelph
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Lecturer, The University of Melbourne
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Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor
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PhD Candidate, University of Technology Sydney