Kentucky Law Journal Volume 61 | Issue 2 Article 13 1972 Bail and Bail Bondsmen: Need for Reform in Kentucky Frank Stainback University of Kentucky Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/klj Part of the Criminal Procedure Commons Click here to let us know how access to this document benefits oy u. Recommended Citation Stainback, Frank (1972) "Bail and Bail Bondsmen: Need for Reform in Kentucky," Kentucky Law Journal: Vol. 61 : Iss. 2 , Article 13. Available at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/klj/vol61/iss2/13 This Comment is brought to you for free and open access by the Law Journals at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Kentucky Law Journal by an authorized editor of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. 1973] CoMnvrs BAIL AND BAIL BONDSMEN: NEED FOR REFORM IN KENTUCKY If it is true that "the quality of a nation's civilization can be largely measured by the methods it uses in the enforcement of its criminal law," then the American bail system as it now operates can no longer be tolerated. At best, it is a system of checkbook justice; at worst, a highly commercialized racket.1 INTRODUCION The system of bail in Kentucky, as in most states throughout this country, has long been restricted to the financial bond as the method of securing the presence of the accused at various stages of the criminal process. As a general rule, a professional surety or bondsman posts bond for the accused in return for which he exacts a fee in the form of a premium.