Pretrial Justice

Pretrial justice refers to the procedures and policies that determine how individuals are treated before their court trial. It focuses on ensuring that people accused of crimes are fairly assessed and either released or detained based on risk factors, rather than solely on their ability to pay. The goal is to promote fairness, reduce unnecessary detention, and ensure public safety, while respecting individuals’ rights. Effective pretrial justice balances individual liberty with community safety, emphasizing timely, transparent, and equitable processes that prevent unnecessary detention and promote trust in the legal system.