NCJ Number
100077
Date Published
1984
Length
1209 pages
Annotation
This publication presents the texts of three bail reform bills before the House of Representatives, together with pertinent testimony, correspondence, and articles.
Abstract
The bills (H.R. 1098, 3005, and 3491) would permit a consideration of dangerousness and community safety in setting of dangerousness and community safety in setting pretrial release conditions and ordering detention. The materials included provide discussions of current bail and pretrial release/detention practices, the extent and nature of crimes committed by defendant's while on pretrial release, penalties for pretrial crimes, penalties for nonappearance, and differences between Federal and State pretrial systems. The effectiveness of pretrial services and diversion in increasing appearance rates and reducing pretrial criminality also is discussed. Issues relating to the prediction of dangerousness, the constitutionality of using such predictions in assessing pretrial detention needs, and the effects of assessing dangerousness on jail overcrowding and reducing pretrial crime also are examined.