Police and Vulnerability in Bail Decisions

Since bail legislation was enacted in the 1970s, Australia has experienced a continual increase number of prisoners on remand. Amendments to and police discretion have been shown contribute this increase. Further, an accused’s vulnerability affects whether they are granted or denied bail, with vulnerable people being more likely be bail. Vulnerability criminal justice system refers factors such as race, age, sex socioeconomic status. Many multiple intersecting vulnerabilities, which further compounds their contact system. This study employed qualitative content analysis for Australian states New South Wales (NSW), Tasmania, Victoria, along key correlating second reading speeches. The aim better understand way decision-makers, police, consider when making decisions about particular, if how legislated relating vulnerability. research found that only NSW Victoria were required explicitly under law. Although may cater varying vulnerabilities not considered.