Commentary: As judges, we’ve made thousands of bail decisions. Here’s the truth about detention and public safety

Often when judges determine that a person accused of a crime can safely be released from jail and return to court when directed, they face criticism for “letting the accused out” by reducing monetary bail or “allowing” the accused to bail at all. This lack of understanding around the bail process undermines the public’s trust in the rule of law.

As retired and current California trial court judges with more than 90 years of collective experience, we have presided