Bloglander

Our cover story this week takes a look at the local bail system and how it puts the squeeze on people who are charged with a crime but have no money to bail themselves out. You should definitely read the story, but then listen to what John Oliver has to say on the subject: 

"The frequency and cost of bail has risen dramatically, and it is disproportionately hurting the poor," Oliver says. "In fact, in 2013, an analysis of New Jersey's jail population found that nearly 40 percent were being held solely because they couldn't meet the terms of their bail, which is crazy. Jail is supposed to be for dangerous criminals."