06 June 2017
A new law which will allow bail conditions to be set and ensure they can be enforced, has been lodged by the Minister for Home Affairs.
Bail is when a person is temporarily released, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is paid, or certain conditions complied with to guarantee their return to either the police station or to the Court.
The Criminal Procedure (Bail) (Jersey) Law 201- is the first part of a series of laws to improve criminal justice legislation. If approved by the States Assembly, the law will provide a clear framework for setting bail while protecting the rights of suspects and defendants.
The new legislation will also offer better protection to victims and witnesses as it will allow bail conditions to be put in place before a defendant is charged. These conditions could include not contacting certain people; giving in your passport; or reporting to the police station at agreed times.
Minister for Home Affairs, Deputy Kristina Moore, said “There are currently gaps in law and procedures that can cause difficulties in practice when using bail. If approved, this new law will bring about positive changes to the way it’s used in the criminal justice system. Not only will it protect the rights of suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings but it will also allow appropriate bail conditions to be imposed to help protect victims and witnesses.”
The Criminal Procedure (Bail) (Jersey) Law 201- will be debated by the States Assembly on 18 July 2017. If approved, it could be brought into force in early 2018.
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