(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

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedoms throughout PA. Through advocacy, public education and litigation, our staff and volunteers work to preserve and enhance liberties grounded in the US and PA constitutions and civil rights laws. Among those liberties are freedoms of speech, religion and association; the right to petition the government; separation of church and state; the right to privacy; reproductive freedom; due process of law; the rights of the accused; and the right to equal treatment under the law.

Trapped: Cash Bail In America Presented with the ACLU-PA