Advocating for Bail Reform and Pretrial Justice Through Litigation and Legislation

In this course, Twyla Carter, National Director of Policy at The Bail Project, and Andrea Woods, Staff Attorney in the Criminal Law Reform Project at the ACLU national office, will discuss bail reform legal principles and the most recent legal rulings, legislative trends, and practical tips for lawyers who handle bail hearings. 

The presenters will cover the broad legal principles underlying bail reform efforts nationwide and how they have been impacted by recent legal rulings. Next, the course will review legislative trends around the country. Finally, the presenters will provide practical tips for defense lawyers who handle bail hearings, including a discussion about risk assessment tools and community support services.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the Constitutional foundations for pre-trial detention and how this informs bail reform strategies
2. Discuss the current legal landscape of bail reform efforts nationally
3. Effectively advocate for clients at pre-trial hearings