Judge says too many poor people kept in jail awaiting trial

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) — Missouri Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge is calling for a review of the way courts hold people in jail before trial.

In her final State of the Judiciary address Tuesday, Breckenridge told lawmakers that costly pretrial incarcerations affect poor people that cannot pay bonds, creating negative consequences for the individual and society. She says a Supreme Court task force will recommend changes to current practices.

Under the current Missouri law, an individual can be put in jail while awaiting trial only when they are a flight risk, are charged with a capital offense, or when they are a danger to a victim, witness or community.

Breckenridge also called for higher pay for state employees who work in courts.

Read more: http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/25/judge-says-too-many-poor-people-kept-in-jail-awaiting-trial/97029074/