Citizen Action Stands By Bail Reform Laws

Sweeping criminal justice reforms are now in effect in New York. Changes to the state’s pre-trial laws were passed as part of the state budget last year, and include the elimination of cash bail for dozens of offenses and new discovery laws.
Many law enforcement groups and politicians are criticizing the reforms and several upstate lawmakers have vowed to revisit the changes once the legislative session begins next week.
But progressive organizations are defending the reforms, saying they address injustices within New York’s criminal justice system. WAMC’s Lucas Willard spoke with Erin George, the Civil Rights Campaigns Director for Citizen Action New York.