Issue 1 - Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Require Courts to Consider Factors Like Public Safety When Setting the Amount of Bail

Summary

The proposed amendment would:* Require Ohio courts, when setting the amount of bail, to consider public safety, including the seriousness of the offense, as well as a person's criminal record, the likelihood a person will return to court, and any other factor the Ohio General Assembly may prescribe.* Remove the requirement that the procedures for establishing the amount and conditions of bail be determined by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

A "yes" vote supports requiring courts to consider factors like public safety when setting the amount of bail.

A "no" vote opposes requiring courts to consider factors like public safety when setting the amount of bail.

Arguments

"That's bedrock American law, that's our sense of justice and that should never be compromised or diluted, the presumption of innocence in court does not equal, it is not the same as pretending that a career criminal poses no threat on the street." - Ohio Attorney General David Yost, in support of Issue 1 (Learn more)

"Good prosecutors in Ohio already know how to keep dangerous suspects in jail pending trial. They request a detention hearing and present evidence about the risk to public safety. This ensures that before denying a person who is still considered innocent their freedom, due process rights must be respected and enforced. A judge can also decide to hold a defendant without bail." - State Senator Cecil Thomas, in opposition to Issue 1 (Learn more)

Measure Details