A growing national discussion about inequities in the criminal justice system spurred by the Black Lives Matter movement has focused new attention on Proposition 25, a referendum on the November ballot to decide whether California’s money bail system is unjust and should be replaced.
“For years, California has proudly led the way on fundamental civil rights and criminal justice reform but, as we’ve witnessed firsthand across our country, there’s more we must do to root out racial inequity and structural bias and to embrace proven reforms that work,” Newsom said in a statement, adding that the new bail law is part of “the unfinished fight for equity and justice.”
The issue of risk assessments has divided critics of the existing money bail system. During its consideration in the Legislature, the law, Senate Bill 10, was opposed by the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, which represents criminal defense attorneys.“SB 10 expands the category of persons who can be held without bail,” said Eric Schweitzer, the association’s president. “If your client is presumed to be unsafe because of a computer algorithm that can’t be trusted, he can’t get out.
“We don’t need to look too far for examples of bad things that could happen if this is implemented,” said former Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto, an attorney representing opponents of Proposition 25. “You have these repeat offenders who keep reoffending because there is a message that there are no consequences.”
Despite that, more Black and Latino people would be released sooner, said Heather Harris, a PPIC research fellow and coauthor of the report. “A pretrial system that relies exclusively on the financial resources of the accused is inherently unsafe and unfair,” said the report by the working group of 12 judges.
👀 at New York... and you’ll know!!
This proposition is a whole-ass mess. The cash bail system needs to go, but the proposed replacement isn't any better.
no cash bail defunded police
I voted no! They need to stay locked up. You can’t afford bail then don’t do the crime. Simple!
RESULTS OF PROP 25
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