Dallas County’s Secret Bail Machine [themarshallproject.org]

Alicia Doktor 9/5/1812:00 PM

In most places around the country, bail hearings are open to the public. The idea is that if the government is going to try to imprison you, the news media and your family and friends should be able to see what goes on and make sure it’s done fairly.

Not so in Dallas County, Texas, where people accused of crimes have their bail set behind closed doors — without any family, lawyers, social workers or journalists present.

A class action lawsuit against the county compelled a district court judge to order the release of video footage of some hearings. After numerous objections, the county issued three days of July bail hearings. The Marshall Project was among those who obtained copies.

[For more on this story by, MUSTAFA Z. MIRZA go to https://www.themarshallproject...machine?ref=hp-1-111]

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