Issue 2 is about the courts’ ability to set bonds.  Traditionally, courts have exercised their discretion in setting bonds, taking into account the severity of the charges, public saftey, flight risk, and ties to the community. However, critics argue that the current system disproportionately affects low-income individuals, leading to the pretrial detention of many defendants who cannot afford to post the bond that the court has determined to be fair. This issue has sparked a debate about the fairness and equity of the bond process. We hope that the courts can strike a more balanced approach that respects justice and public safety.

Prior to Issue 2 passing, the supreme court of Ohio ruled that judges may only consider flight risk of a defendant in setting bonds.  The supreme court of Ohio went so far as to say in their prior court ruling that the safety of the public should also not be considered in this process of setting bonds. 

We will keep you informed as to how the passing of Issue 2 affects how bonds are set in the future now that Issue 2 has passed.