Justice on Hold: How Bail Bonds Keep the Poor Behind Bars

Undertrial prisoner behind bars representing how bail bond requirements affect poor defendants in India

A concept we commonly recapitulate is “Innocent until proven guilty”. But what happens when your freedom is determined by your wallet instead of your innocence? Introduction Imagine being arrested for a minor crime — that is, a petty theft charge, or an altercation with someone on the street. You’re informed that you qualify for bail. […]