New law barring bail affordability calculator is on the books — and in use
Lead Judicial Commissioner John Marshall presided over bail hearing proceedings Feb. 17, with Chief Public Defender Phyllis Aluko and prosecutor Shaun Schielke present in Shelby County General Sessions Criminal Court Division 11 Judge Karen Massey’s courtroom. A new Tennessee law will not allow Shelby County officials to use an ability-to-pay calculator to pre-screen defendants’ financial conditions when setting initial bail. (The Daily Memphian file)
A new law bars judicial commissioners from using an ability-to-pay calculator when setting initial bail, but it does not prevent the consideration of defendants’ financial conditions. Critics say the law is confusing and ultimately unconstitutional.
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Aarron Fleming
Aarron Fleming covers Memphis and Shelby County’s court system and is a member of The Daily Memphian’s public safety reporting team. He formerly covered education and earned his B.A. in journalism from the University of Memphis.
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