Bail Reform
Just City, Inc. v. Bonner
Shelby County (Memphis), Tennessee, historically set cash bail in criminal cases without stopping to ask whether people would be able to bail out. This practice unnecessarily detained people who could not afford to pay for release, but who would otherwise return to court and live peacefully in their communities. The ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Criminal Law Reform Project negotiated a historic settlement with Shelby County to end this practice.
In retaliation, the Tennessee legislature passed HB 1719, which prohibits judges from considering an arrestee’s ability to pay when setting bail. This law is unprecedented. Our lawsuit seeks to enjoin Shelby County officials from enforcing it.
Status: Ongoing
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All Cases
14 Bail Reform Cases
West Virginia
Aug 2023
Bail Reform
Smart Justice
United States v. Myles
This case challenges a presumption of pretrial detention that applies to nearly all people charged with federal drug offenses.
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West Virginia
Aug 2023
Bail Reform
Smart Justice
United States v. Myles
This case challenges a presumption of pretrial detention that applies to nearly all people charged with federal drug offenses.
U.S. Supreme Court
Jul 2023
Bail Reform
Criminal Law Reform
Daves v. Dallas County
Whether federal courts have the power to remedy systemic unconstitutional pretrial detention practices that remain unchecked by state courts.
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U.S. Supreme Court
Jul 2023
Bail Reform
Criminal Law Reform
Daves v. Dallas County
Whether federal courts have the power to remedy systemic unconstitutional pretrial detention practices that remain unchecked by state courts.
Georgia
May 2022
Bail Reform
Mock et al v. Glynn County et al
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Georgia
May 2022
Bail Reform
Mock et al v. Glynn County et al
Tennessee
Sep 2021
Bail Reform
Smart Justice
Nashville Community Bail Fund v. Gentry
In Nashville, local officials keep money posted as bail to pay fines and fees. This happens even when the person whose bond was posted shows up to their required court dates. Under a local court rule and policies from the criminal clerk, pretrial release is conditioned on future payment, which leverages pretrial freedom to make money for the government.
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Tennessee
Sep 2021
Bail Reform
Smart Justice
Nashville Community Bail Fund v. Gentry
In Nashville, local officials keep money posted as bail to pay fines and fees. This happens even when the person whose bond was posted shows up to their required court dates. Under a local court rule and policies from the criminal clerk, pretrial release is conditioned on future payment, which leverages pretrial freedom to make money for the government.