The U.S. Bail System Has Become A Huge Money Making Racket This insightful video from Brave New Films dives deep into the critical issues surrounding the U.S. bail system, grossly highlighting how it has morphed into a for-profit venture that primarily targets low-income individuals. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, nearly 70% of Americans in local jails are held pretrial, indicating that many who are incarcerated have not yet been convicted of a crime and are presumed innocent .
Key Points Discussed in the Video:
Pretrial Incarceration and Poverty: The video opens with a stark reality: people are jailed simply because they cannot afford bail. This creates an unjust scenario where wealth determines freedom, rather than the nature of the alleged crime.
The Foundation of Inequality: Robert Greenwald, founder of Brave New Films, discusses how the bail system disproportionately impacts the economically disadvantaged. He argues that locking up individuals for their inability to pay for bail is fundamentally unfair. This practice doesn't just harm those incarcerated—it has devastating effects on their families and communities .
A $14 Billion Industry: The conversation shifts to the startling reality that bail has evolved into a lucrative business, raking in $14 billion annually in the U.S. Greenwald emphasizes that the for-profit bail industry operates with minimal oversight and is supported by powerful lobbying efforts. This industry finds itself almost unique globally, with only the Philippines sharing such a model .
Real-Life Impact: The video shares specific cases, such as that of Tai Sherman, who faced a staggering $100,000 bail for a crime she didn’t commit, highlighting how exorbitant bail amounts can destroy lives and perpetuate cycles of poverty and incarceration .
Eighth Amendment Considerations: The video revisits the Eighth Amendment, which states that excessive bail shall not be required. Greenwald points out that judges often overlook this constitutional protection, resulting in inflated bail amounts that do not reflect the severity of the alleged offenses .
Effective Alternatives: Surprisingly, Greenwald mentions that systems employing non-monetary bail policies—like reminders to appear in court through calls or texts—have proven successful. These newer methods suggest that community engagement and reminders can ensure court appearances without the need for monetary bail .
Conclusion
The video is a compelling critique of the U.S. bail system, revealing how it exploits vulnerable populations under the guise of law and order. It calls for awareness and action towards reform, emphasizing the need for alternatives that uphold justice without profiting at the expense of the poor. What are your thoughts on the current state of the bail system? Do you think reform is achievable, or are we too entrenched in these problems? Share your opinions below!