Panel on the overhaul of bail, speedy trial & discovery laws in New York State
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A panel was held in Rochester, NY on the overhaul of bail, speedy trial and discovery laws. 67% of the people in New York's jails have not been convicted. They are legally innocent but incarcerated in county jails because of New York’s broken bail, speedy trial and discovery laws.
The case of Kalief Browder, a high school student, who was accused of stealing a backpack and was jailed for nearly three years without trial. He refused to take a plea deal maintained his innocence and was given a $10,000 bail. For three years he waited for his day in court. While in jail he was beaten by other inmates, COs and kept in solitary confinement. When he did go to court, he was exonerated. Soon after his release, Kalief Browder committed suicide. All this because he was black and poor. This case is unfortunately not unique.
The panel will discuss the situation in Monroe county and the need to change these laws and the campaign to do that.
