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Calendar

City of Asylum presents, "Trapped: Cash Bail In America" (with the ACLU-PA)

When

Jan 27, 2021

7:00 pm- 8:30 pm

Where

Crowdcast

Online Platform

Join City of Asylum for an online screening of Trapped: Cash Bail in America, followed by a discussion and live audience Q&A with the ACLU-PA.

(run-time 90 min  includes live discussion +  Q&A with ACLU-PA)

Like in almost every jurisdiction across the United States, cash bail is a problem in Pennsylvania. Across the commonwealth, thousands of people sit in cages not because they are guilty—but simply because they are too poor to pay bail. Magisterial District Judges, the elected officials responsible for setting bail, consistently set bail in amounts too steep for people to afford. Further, District Attorneys, who are also elected, request that MDJs set bail in thousands, and even millions, of dollars. As a result, more than 60% of Pennsylvania's total jail population have not been convicted of a crime.  Join us for a discussion on what the ACLU-PA and Bukit Bail Fund have learned on the ground as organizers, lawyers, and activists, as well as how Pennsylvania can end mass incarceration in our backyards. 

The screening will be followed by a live discussion and audience Q&A discussing: 
-The mechanics and landscape of bail in Pennsylvania
-The impact of the pandemic on bail practices and reform efforts  
-A vision for pretrial justice in Pennsylvania  
-How you can get connected and take action 


Trapped: Cash Bail in America

Every year, millions of Americans are incarcerated before even being convicted of a crime - all because they can’t afford to post bail. How did we get here? This film shines a light on our deeply flawed criminal justice system and the activists working to reform it. Exploring the growing movement to end the inherent economic and racial inequalities, while highlighting victims impacted by an unjust system, the tireless campaigners fighting for criminal justice reform, and a bail industry lobbying to maintain the status quo.  Produced and written by Chris L. Jenkins and edited and directed by Garrett Hubbard.

Nyssa Taylor, Criminal Justice Policy Counsel, ACLU-PA  
Alex Domingos, Organizer, Campaign for Smart Justice, ACLU-PA
Jessica Li, Criminal Justice Investigator, ACLU-PA
Man-E, Core Organizer, Bukit Bail Fund, Core Organizer Jailbreak Pittsburgh

Photo of people from the waist down, seated, wearing orange jail jumpsuits and handcuffs; text: Trapped - Cash Bail in America