For many, a traffic ticket or fine from a minor offense can be an irritant and even cause a financial setback. But for those unable to pay court fines, fees, or even bail, the same offenses could upend lives. Efforts both here and in states across the country are aiming to make the system fairer for all by taking money out of equation. We've been tackling the subject of judicial reform over the last several months here on The Sound of Ideas. Critics contend the current system is two-tiered---keeping lower income defendants trapped in mounting court debt and criminalizing the poor. But others question if we're allowing the justice system to go soft. Is there a better way?
Sara Dorn, Reporter, Cleveland.com
Judge Patrick Carroll, Lakewood Municipal Court
Marie VanNostrand, Ph.D., Justice Project Manager, Luminosity
Jocelyn Rosnick, Assistant Policy Director, ACLU of Ohio