2ser's Razors Edge

The state government this week announced changes to BAIL LAWS, in an effort to reduce the large numbers of people who are refused bail, while waiting for a trial. More than a quarter of adult prisoners in NSW have not been convicted. The Attorney General Greg Smith has put forward a new “case by case” system, designed to ease the burden on prisons and give those charged a fairer deal. But he declined to follow the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission which suggested a general presumption in favour of bail. Legal observers say it’s a step in the right direction but may not be enough. MAX TAYLOR is a retired magistrate and the convenor of the Bail Reform Alliance – and he spoke with 2SER’s Mark Robinson.