This week, New York took a major step toward creating a more fair and equitable justice system by reforming our pretrial laws. Starting in January 2020, most misdemeanors and low-level felonies will no longer be eligible for cash bail. This will mean pre-trial liberty for thousands of New Yorkers.
I applaud our New York state legislators who moved us forward to help address the impacts of a racist system of pre-trial imprisonment and coerced or misguided plea deals. This system presumed guilt not innocence in violation of the rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment — resulting in the poor and people of color being disproportionately victimized.
As we celebrate these important gains, we recognize our work is not done yet until we fully eliminate cash bail and include robust due process protections in our pre-trial system. I implore my state senator, Anna Kaplan, to work toward these goals with the leadership of the Legislature and the governor who promised to end money bail.
My Jewish values provide an excellent guide to protect the poor, the stranger; we learn from Zechariah (7:10): “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the stranger or the poor…” And from Leviticus, “You shall not render an unfair decision: do not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your kinsman fairly” (Leviticus, 19:15).
Jeanette Walowitz
Great Neck
Volunteer Leader, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action
