The Bail Bond Industry's Impact on Marginalized Communities

Guest: University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Sociology Joshua Page

In the American criminal justice system, a person suspected of committing a crime can be released from custody pending a trial if they post bail, a monetary payment that will be refunded if they make their court appearances. Suspects often turn to a bail bond company if they or their relatives and friends are unable to come up with the money required by the court. New research is pointing out flaws in the bail bond system that can adversely impact low-income communities. University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Sociology Joshua Page discusses his study of the bail bond industry.