Around the country, our bail system is getting a closer look. A few states, including New Jersey and Illinois, have done away with bail entirely. Handing cash over to the court is supposed to make sure someone appears for their next court date. If someone doesn’t show up, the court keeps the money.  

But, cash bail doesn’t always keep the public safe. Those who can afford it can bail out, even if they are a danger. On the flip side, people who are not a danger or flight risk often can’t get out of jail because they can’t afford to make bail. 

And often, it’s not the person accused of a crime who scrapes together money to make bail; it’s family members and people close to the defendant. People have ruined credit, lost cars and jeopardized their housing to pay bail. MPR News host Angela Davis talked about cash bail in Minnesota — whether it works and who it harms.