During the webinar, panelists discussed how the cash bail system criminalizes poverty, as well as pretrial incarceration’s impact on a person’s later sentencing (especially for people of color and low-income communities) and the myths behind bail as a legitimate form of accountability. 

Our panelists explored the social and legal contexts of the country’s bail system as well as the role the media and popular culture play in perpetuating alarmist narratives that underlie the continued use of cash bail. Panelists also highlighted the heavy toll that bail and pretrial detention takes — on an individual’s life as well as on that person’s loved ones and community.

We also learned about the power of organized community groups to effect meaningful reform on the bail system and what possible steps we can take to continue to push for reform.