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This was a critical point in the compromise. Under the system that Daniels wanted, prosecutors would have had to hold a mini-trial prior to every case in which a person was to be held in jail pending trial. Under the new compromise, prosecutors can select cases where they feel this is necessary. Judges are then left to set reasonable and appropriate monetary and non-monetary conditions of bail on the remaining cases.

Yeah, this will never, ever be abused. I'm sure we can expect the judges to set reasonable and appropriate monetary and non-monetary conditions of bail on the remaining cases as well.

Personally, I think the bail system needs to be overhauled as well, as it is nothing but an exercise in providing an income to bail bondsmen. It is also a way to fine those folk without means. By this, I mean let's say Joe Nobody comes before a judge and has to post bail. Judge sets bail at 50k. Obviously, Joe doesn't have 50k sitting around in a bank to be given as surety to the court, so he has to go to a bondsman, who charges him 10% of the 50k. Well, that's doable for a lot of folks, but now he's out 5k regardless of the outcome of the case, and that's before any legal fees are brought into the equation.

Now, let's see how it works for Bob Moneybags, who finds himself in the exact same situation. He does happen to have 50k available, so he gives that to the court. Once he shows up for his trial/hearing/whatever, he gets his money back. Not so, Joe, who's just been fined $5k before the case against him has even been presented.