Harvard Kennedy School Program in Criminal Justice

The Current State of Bail Reform in the United States: Results of a Landscape Analysis of Bail Reforms Across All 50 States

New Report by Isabella Jorgensen and Sandra Susan Smith

https://www.hks.harvard.edu/publications/current-state-bail-reform-united-states-results-landscape-analysis-bail-reforms-across

Our new report discusses cash bail reforms that have occurred in the United States and provides key considerations for people interested in implementing bail reforms in their jurisdiction.

Based on a landscape analysis of bail reforms across all 50 states, we identify the four main actors who take the lead on adopting bail reforms, as well as specific reforms they have implemented. We also consider different processes bail reform actors follow to implement reforms. We then share eight trends in the impacts of bail reforms from 12 jurisdictions where there has been thorough analysis of the reforms. Next, we lay out six criteria that equitable and effective bail reforms should satisfy and provide New Jersey as a case study. We conclude by discussing concerning elements of bail reforms that policy actors should be wary of when designing changes to the cash bail system.

Check out our latest episode of Voir Dire where our host, Schuyler Daum, discusses how the “Birth Lottery of History” applies to modern criminal legal reform with Robert Sampson from Harvard University. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-birth-lottery-of-history-with-robert-sampson/id1293347824?i=1000544407637
Also, check out this article to read more about Robert Sampson’s study and findings on this topic. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/06/study-finds-the-birth-lottery-of-history-can-predict-arrests/

‎Voir Dire: Conversations from the Harvard Kennedy School Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management: The Birth Lottery of History with Robert Sampson on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Voir Dire: Conversations from the Harvard Kennedy School Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, Ep The Birth Lottery of History with Robert Sampson - Dec 9, 2021

ICYMI: Our last Speaker Series event of the fall is on our YouTube Channel now! Check back in the spring for updates on new events and guests!

Why did voters reject plans to replace the Minneapolis Police Department? with Michelle Phelps Across the country, grassroots efforts are underway to try to replace police departments with departments of public safety. Although the changes being consid...

Today, December 1st at 4:30 PM, join us for a Reimagining Community Safety discussion with Michelle Phelps on why voters rejected plans to replace the Minneapolis Police Dept and what is the future of defunding the police? https://bit.ly/3HHLh6V

Don't forget to join us this Wednesday, December 1 at 4:30 PM for a Reimagining Community Safety discussion with Michelle Phelps on Why voters rejected plans to replace the Minneapolis Police Dept and What is the future of defunding the police? Register at: https://bit.ly/3HHLh6V

Please join us December 1 at 4:30 PM for a Reimagining Community Safety discussion with Michelle Phelps on Why voters rejected plans to replace the Minneapolis Police Dept and What is the future of defunding the police? https://bit.ly/3HHLh6V

ICYMI: Watch this interesting Reimaging Community Safety Speaker Series event featuring Sarah Seo professor at Columbia Law School on reducing by removing police from traffic stops on our YouTube Channel at:

Reducing Racial Disparities by Removing Police from Traffic Enforcement with Sarah Seo Last month, citing strong racial disparities in traffic stops and arrests, Philadelphia’s city council voted to bar police officers from conducting pretextua...

Today! Join us at 4:30 PM for our Community Safety Speaker Series featuring a discussion with Sarah Seo.
Last month, citing strong racial disparities in traffic stops and arrests, Philadelphia’s city council voted to bar police officers from conducting pretextual stops and searches for low-level motor vehicle infractions. It is the first city in the nation to do so, but Philadelphia is hardly alone. Measures to decriminalize driving-while-Black are spreading, slowly but surely, and have major implications not only for racial disparities in traffic stops, but also for disparities in police use of force. To better understand this complex issue and its rich history, please join us as we welcome Sarah Seo, Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, author of Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom. Register Here: https://bit.ly/3kfXaXA

Coming up this Wednesday (11/17) join us at 4:30 PM for our Community Safety Speaker Series featuring a discussion with Sarah Seo.
Last month, citing strong racial disparities in traffic stops and arrests, Philadelphia’s city council voted to bar police officers from conducting pretextual stops and searches for low-level motor vehicle infractions. It is the first city in the nation to do so, but Philadelphia is hardly alone. Measures to decriminalize driving-while-Black are spreading, slowly but surely, and have major implications not only for racial disparities in traffic stops, but also for disparities in police use of force. To better understand this complex issue and its rich history, please join us as we welcome Sarah Seo, Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, author of Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom. Register Here: https://bit.ly/3kfXaXA

Please join the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus today November 15th at 4pm for a symposium on the Emmy-nominated documentary This Ain’t Normal. This event will facilitate a community conversation around issues addressed in the film. Register here:

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: This Ain't Normal Symposium. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. A follow-up discussion on the film, This Ain't Normal. Bring your questions and ideas!

ICYMI: Check out this riveting conversation from the PCJ’s Speaker Series on Reimaging Community Safety with Charlottesville Mayor and Police Chief RaShall Brackney discussing the challenges of reform: https://youtu.be/fJaiW2N67_o

Reimagining Community Safety: Challenges of Police Reform w/ Nikuyah Walker and RaShall Brackney Charlottesville, Virginia reckoned with its own history of systemic racism by electing Nikuyah Walker as its mayor and appointing Dr. RaShall Brackney as its...

Pease join us on November 17th, 2021 for our Community Safety Speaker Series featuring a discussion with Sarah Seo.
Last month, citing strong racial disparities in traffic stops and arrests, Philadelphia’s city council voted to bar police officers from conducting pretextual stops and searches for low-level motor vehicle infractions. It is the first city in the nation to do so, but Philadelphia is hardly alone. Measures to decriminalize driving-while-Black are spreading, slowly but surely, and have major implications not only for racial disparities in traffic stops, but also for disparities in police use of force. To better understand this complex issue and its rich history, please join us as we welcome Sarah Seo, Professor of Law at Columbia University, author of Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom. Register Here: https://bit.ly/3kfXaXA