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.
Original air date: May 24, 2014
Amid the worst drug addiction epidemic in US history, Fault Lines examines why the FDA approved a powerful painkiller
Fault Lines reports from the Taliban stronghold of Charkh District as it attacks an Afghan National Army base
Fault Lines reports from Charkh District where the Taliban patrols the streets and has built a parallel government.
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