Do you agree that the poor are unfairly discriminated against because they are least able to pay their own..?

Question

bail and the least able to pay the fee to a bondsman? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The argument could be made, but I could come back with this:

It is not unfair or discrimination because the poor commit crimes at a rate tremendously higher than the rate at which average or wealthy people do. Or even better:

Poor people have much less to lose if they can't post bail. If they're let out into the world in the same desperate situation as before, the "nothing-to-lose" mentality puts them at greater risk for recidivism.

Take your pick. I think with these opposite viewpoints, we could have ourselves a healthy debate, but I think I'd win. The need to keep desperate offenders locked up is probably very justified from a societal cost perspective.

Answer 2

The very nature of being poor, and therefore implying what exists is an economic system of inequality, is inherently "not fair."

The fact that we as Americans chose to live under in a capitalist country means we are willing to accept the risk of being poor in order for a chance to strike it rich. I think it's wrong to call the disadvantages poor people face "unfair discrimination." That's exactly what it is, but when said, it sounds like there is some sinister intent by the rich. And for the most part, that isn't true. It just looks that way.

There are reasons why being poor sucks. And yes, the poor are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to hiring an attorney to represent them. Our government should address this.

An easy solution for them in the meantime is: DON'T GET ARRESTED. This is not like back in the Jim Crow era. The Constitution and thereby our government has no responsibility to protect those at an economic disadvantage. The Constitution does, however, have a responsibility to offer everyone a fair trial.

Answer 3

Of course; they are discriminated against. This is America, the land of the free. What a lovely thought, huh, if only it was really true. As a youngster I remember pledging allegiance to our flag with pride. I am troubled that I no longer share those sentiments. Corporate America continues to rule. Double standards have become accepted & commonplace. No accountibility, should not be acceptable. Apathy abounds. There are complex issues facing this country, I thought it would get better after the civil right movements in the 60's. However, poverty,racism,rape,violence,crime ,greed has become a way of life for far too many of our citizens. These ugly smyptoms represent a deeper need to repair our country to sanity. Remember; resources have always been more accessible to the weathly, remember OJ. Oh yeah,& What did that brillant Paris Hilton get a 3 hr. sentence....Ridiclolus,

Answer 4

No! I don't think that the poor are unfairly discriminated against. I feel that too many crimes are being committed by uneducated, uncommitted against their race,both black and white. Wasn't there a saying " You do the crime. Be prepared to do the time" ? If a person cannot distinguish right from wrong,doesn't respect people, he has to take whatever punishment which goes with his crime. Setting bail where lives were endangered is a cop-out by society.

Answer 5

They are all the time. The earth is flat, hopefully, where you are trying to land a plane. Those that land in hills have more problems even if they know astronomy. Wouldn't want a biology teacher to know a lot about Noah's animals, or would you? Believing smoking heals cancer is now being taught at what religion? This is your example of something equal to a religious belief? What if someone (like Hitler) firmly believed in evolution and became a military leader and killed 10 million people, should we discriminate against evolutionists being in control of totalitarian states?

Answer 6

it does not matter accually, weather you are talking about Bonds or what not. If you see the news a rich person gets a dui they get off with a small fee or a slap on the wrist, but if a poor person or the average joe gets a dui they get a huge fine their licsense pulled. The poor are less thought of in alot of situations than the rich or middle class, The reason why the poor keep getting poorer is they do not have the chance to prove themselves as for a middle class person or an upper class person does in any situation weather it be job performance or life in general. And when the taxes get raised the middle class does get the hike but not as much as the lower class, and wich leaves the upper or rich class not getting much of anything

Answer 7

I think they are not unfairly discriminated against. Bail is set based on the person's likelihood of fleeing and the enormity of the crime and how serious it would be if they forfeited bail. I think poor people tend to get lower bail than rich people.

Good luck,
Dana (attorney)

Answer 8

No. That they are unable to pay is probably just a function of a life of crime. I suppose it depends upon why they were arrested. Maybe if they would have put as much energy into school or finding a job, as they did in doing the wrong thing, they wouldn't be in their predicament. I have a jail ministry. The guys seem not to learn their lesson the first time. So back to jail they come. This has less to do with poverty and more to do with wrong choices.

Answer 9

Of course! Being poor and under arrest is like throwing fat on fire, it makes more smoke and burns Faster!
For example, if you do not have the where-with-all to make bail, and you are to see a certain judge,and that judge is out of town, you will sit there until they return! I know of a person that happened to, and they were finally found innocent of the crime they were arrested for!

Answer 10

No, they are treated equally. What you imply is discriminating against wealthier people by making them pay more. Whoever dances the dance must pay the piper.