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Presentation Type

Presentation

Full Name of Faculty Mentor

Michael Promisel, Political Science

Other Mentors

Jacqueline Kurlowski, Director, Dyer Institute for Leadership and Public Policy

Major

Political Science

Presentation Abstract

Pre-trial detention and monetary bail have been and continue to be debated at length across the country as certain states are considering reforming their bail systems. Both pre-trial detention and bail were created to accomplish certain goals: (1) to keep individuals considered a 'flight risk' detained pre-trial, (2) to maintain appearance at all scheduled court dates, and (3) to keep individuals who would be considered a danger to themselves or the community detained pre-trial. As of 2020, roughly 320,000 individuals accused of non-violent crimes were held in pre-trial detention across the United States (Prison Policy Initiative, 2020). This staggering percentage means that most people in local jails have not been convicted of any crimes. Following the arrest of an individual, their ability to leave pre-trial detention hinges on their ability to pay their bail. However, for low-income and minority individuals, the disparate effects of the bail system perpetuate negative outcomes within these communities. By cross-analyzing data in localities similar to South Carolina in terms of income and demographic factors, I will assess the community needs and make a feasible policy recommendation on the reformation of the cash bail system in South Carolina. Furthermore, I will suggest the best course of action to solve the glaring issue of pre-trial detention among minority communities and low-income individuals to ensure that the policy recommendation could positively affect the net jail growth within the state.

Location

Room 1 (BRTH 101)

Start Date

13-4-2022 3:10 PM

End Date

13-4-2022 3:30 PM

Disciplines

Political Science

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Apr 13th, 3:10 PM Apr 13th, 3:30 PM

The Reformation of The Monetary Bail System in South Carolina for Non-violent Individuals

Room 1 (BRTH 101)

Pre-trial detention and monetary bail have been and continue to be debated at length across the country as certain states are considering reforming their bail systems. Both pre-trial detention and bail were created to accomplish certain goals: (1) to keep individuals considered a 'flight risk' detained pre-trial, (2) to maintain appearance at all scheduled court dates, and (3) to keep individuals who would be considered a danger to themselves or the community detained pre-trial. As of 2020, roughly 320,000 individuals accused of non-violent crimes were held in pre-trial detention across the United States (Prison Policy Initiative, 2020). This staggering percentage means that most people in local jails have not been convicted of any crimes. Following the arrest of an individual, their ability to leave pre-trial detention hinges on their ability to pay their bail. However, for low-income and minority individuals, the disparate effects of the bail system perpetuate negative outcomes within these communities. By cross-analyzing data in localities similar to South Carolina in terms of income and demographic factors, I will assess the community needs and make a feasible policy recommendation on the reformation of the cash bail system in South Carolina. Furthermore, I will suggest the best course of action to solve the glaring issue of pre-trial detention among minority communities and low-income individuals to ensure that the policy recommendation could positively affect the net jail growth within the state.