Bill Text: NJ SCR113 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Proposes constitutional amendment to change right to bail in criminal cases and allow court to deny jailed person pretrial release under certain circumstances.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-06-09 - Concurrent Resolution Placed on [SCR113 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-SCR113-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator DONALD NORCROSS
District 5 (Camden and Gloucester)
SYNOPSIS
Proposes constitutional amendment to change right to bail in criminal cases and allow court to deny jailed person pretrial release under certain circumstances.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Concurrent Resolution proposing an amendment to Article I, paragraph 11 of the Constitution of the State of New Jersey.
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):
1. The following proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of New Jersey is agreed to:
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
Amend Article I, paragraph 11 to read as follows:
11. No person shall, after acquittal, be tried for the same offense. All persons shall, before conviction, be [bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or presumption great] eligible for pretrial release. Pretrial release may be denied to a person if the court finds that no amount of monetary bail, non-monetary conditions of pretrial release, or combination of monetary bail and non-monetary conditions would reasonably assure the person's appearance in court when required, or protect the safety of any other person or the community, or prevent the person from obstructing or attempting to obstruct the criminal justice process. It shall be lawful for the Legislature to establish by law procedures, terms, and conditions applicable to pretrial release and the denial thereof authorized under this provision.
(cf: Art. I, par. 11)
2. When this proposed amendment to the Constitution is finally agreed to pursuant to Article IX, paragraph 1 of the Constitution, it shall be submitted to the people at the next general election occurring more than three months after the final agreement and shall be published at least once in at least one newspaper of each county designated by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly and the Secretary of State, not less than three months prior to the general election.
3. This proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be submitted to the people at that election in the following manner and form:
There shall be printed on each official ballot to be used at the general election, the following:
a. In every municipality in which voting machines are not used, a legend which shall immediately precede the question as follows:
If you favor the proposition printed below make a cross (X), plus (+), or check (a) in the square opposite the word "Yes." If you are opposed thereto make a cross (X), plus (+) or check (a) in the square opposite the word "No."
b. In every municipality the following question:
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CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE RIGHT TO BAIL IN CRIMINAL CASES AND ALLOW A COURT TO DENY A JAILED PERSON PRETRIAL RELEASE
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YES |
Do you approve amending the Constitution to change the right to bail in criminal cases and allow a court to deny a jailed person pretrial release? This change to the Constitution would mean that a jailed person in a criminal case would be eligible for pretrial release. A court could deny the release from jail prior to trial in some situations. The amendment also removes language in the Constitution about bail eligibility for death penalty cases. The death penalty no longer exists in New Jersey. |
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INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT
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NO
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The Constitution currently requires a court to grant bail to a jailed person in a criminal case before trial. If the person posts bail, the person is released from jail pending trial. The amendment would give a court the option of denying the pretrial release of a jailed person in a criminal case in some situations. The court could deny pretrial release based upon concerns that a person, if released from jail: will not return to court; is a threat to the safety of another person or the community; or will obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process. The amendment authorizes the Legislature to enact laws concerning the grant or denial of pretrial release. The amendment would also remove language in the Constitution about bail eligibility for death penalty cases. The death penalty no longer exists in New Jersey. |
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STATEMENT
This concurrent resolution proposes an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that would change the right to bail in criminal cases and allow a court to deny a jailed person pretrial release.
The Constitution currently provides that all persons are entitled to bail (with an exception concerning death penalty cases), which, if posted, grants a release from jail pending trial. The amendment would change this right, so that a court would have the authority to deny persons the opportunity for pretrial release.
Specifically, the proposed amendment would make all persons eligible for pretrial release from jail. However, this release could be denied by the court based upon concerns that a jailed person, if released: would not return to court when required; would be a threat to the safety of another person or the community; or would obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process. The amendment authorizes the Legislature to enact laws concerning the grant or denial of pretrial release.
The amendment would also remove language in the Constitution about bail eligibility for death penalty cases that is unnecessary; the death penalty no longer exists in New Jersey.
