In February 2017 Maryland’s highest court unanimously approved Rule 4-216.1. This rule provides guidance to judges regarding pre-trial release of arrested individuals. The aim of this rule is to end the practice of holding individuals awaiting trial in jail simply because they cannot afford bail. Yet, likely due to the bail bondsmen’s large lobbying presence, Maryland’s Senate passed a bill on March 22, 2017 to stifle the key parts of the Court of Appeals’ rule change. The Co

The money bail system that has been so pervasive throughout our judicial system is beginning to see reform around the nation. The money bail system, which is the current system in most states, ensures that defendants can only be released from jail if they pay money as collateral in the event they do not show up to court. Bail reform advocates believe a core issue with the current system is that it will often keep harmless people in jail because they cannot afford bail, while