Question

The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution states, "Excessive bail shall not be required..." Cash bail is a sum of money that defendants can pay to be released from jail prior to their trial, with the promise that they will return for their trial, or they forfeit their money. Opponents of the cash bail system argue that it discriminates against poor defendants, who cannot pay. States can determine their own laws about cash bail. Some states have recently reformed their cash bail laws to decrease how frequently cash bail is used. In 2018, California eliminated the cash bail system for those who cannot afford it. In 2021, Illinois eliminated the cash bail system completely. Critics of these reforms argue that it allows people who may have committed a crime to be released while they await trial. They say these people will potentially endanger others. Questions for Source D: 1. Using this map, what conclusions can you draw about juvenile cash bail in the United States

Answer 1

It is to be noted that the text implies an ongoing nationwide conversation about the role and impact of cash bail, especially in the context of juvenile justice.

The above text discusses the debate surrounding cash bail in the context of the Eighth Amendment and state-level reforms. It highlights that California and Illinois have eliminated or reformed their cash bail systems, aiming to address socioeconomic disparities.

The absence of cash bail may be seen as a move towards reducing discrimination against financially challenged defendants. Critics, however, express concerns about potential dangers posed by released individuals awaiting trial.

Overall, the text implies an ongoing nationwide conversation about the role and impact of cash bail, especially in the context of juvenile justice.