Along side the Wisconsin Supreme Court, mayoral, and alder elections on the spring ballot are state-wide republican supported referendums. One is a non-binding referendum about welfare requirements while the other would directly amend the constitution regarding pre-trail defendants. We dig into the latter today.

The cash bail constitutional amendment referendum reads as follows:

“Shall section 8 (2) of article I of the constitution be amended to allow a court to impose cash bail on a person accused of a violent crime based on the totality of the circumstances, including the accused’s previous convictions for a violent crime, the probability that the accused will fail to appear, the need to protect the community from serious harm and prevent witness intimidation, and potential affirmative defenses?”

Senator Chris Larson joins us at the top of the show to explain what this amendment would change and why it is appearing on the ballot. Then, Advocacy Director Amanda Merkwae and Coalition and Relations Advocate Melissa Ludin from ACLU WI join us to discuss their opposition to the amendment and shine light on the inequity that is inherent to cash bail.

Image by Daniel Bone from Pixabay

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