ACLU-NJ, Drug Policy Alliance, Latino Action Network & NAACP NJ State Conference Testify on Rules That Define How Strong Bail Reform Will Be
New Jersey-based civil rights and policy organizations that serve in an official advisory role for implementing the state's 2014 bail reform law testify on Wednesday, June 1, at 2 p.m. before the New Jersey Supreme Court with recommendations to keep bail reform as strong as possible. The success of the bail reform law in addressing the injustices of the state's pretrial justice system will be dictated by the strength of these court rules.
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, Drug Policy Alliance, Latino Action Network, NAACP New Jersey State Conference, and the New Jersey Institute for Justice — all designated by statute to serve on the Pretrial Services Program Review Commission — have jointly submitted recommendations to prevent courts from issuing money bails that keep defendants in jail and to ensure that the statutory speedy trial limits are faithfully adhered to. The groups also make recommendations to eliminate the use of bail schedules and to protect the rights of defendants in detention hearings.
WHAT:
Public hearing before New Jersey Supreme Court on rules that will determine the ultimate strength of New Jersey's bail reform law, open to media
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 1, 2016, 2 p.m.
WHERE:
New Jersey Supreme Court
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, 8th Floor
25 Market Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
WHO:
• Alexander Shalom, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU-NJ
• Roseanne Scotti, Senior Director, Resident States and State Director, New Jersey, Drug Policy Alliance
• Carlos Hendricks, Latino Action Network
• Richard Smith, President, NAACP New Jersey State Conference
