Chasing Bail | Fault Lines

Fault Lines examines the US bail bond industry, and investigates how money determines who goes free and who stays behind bars.

The number of Americans incarcerated before standing trial in a court of law—currently more than 750,000 inmates—has never been higher. On any given day, nearly 70 percent of the national jail population is awaiting judgement, locked up without being convicted of a crime.

The U.S. is one of only two countries in the world that allows private companies to bail people out of jail at a profit. Bail bond companies earn $2 billion annually by getting people out for a fee. The majority of the accused remain behind bars because they cannot afford to pay for their release.

Proponents of commercial bail say it provides a public service at zero cost to taxpayers. But what are the ultimate costs of the pay-for-freedom pretrial process?

Fault Lines travels to California, Maryland and New York to examine how money determines the fates of those awaiting trial by the criminal justice system.

Fault Lines is a weekly show that takes you beyond headlines and holds the powerful to account as we examine the US’ role in the world.

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