The tabloid panic rewriting bail laws

<p>Traditionally, the idea of bail meant that someone accused of a crime had the right to be free until their trial. But over nearly fifty years, that has shifted dramatically, with bail now used as a tool for crime prevention.</p> <p>Jurisdictions across Australia are adopting more punitive bail laws &ndash; with Victoria just passing what it calls &ldquo;the toughest laws in the country&rdquo;.</p> <p>The government says it&rsquo;s about community safety, but legal and human rights experts warn that these changes will put more children in custody, disproportionately affect First Nations people, and potentially increase deaths on remand.</p> <p>Today, legal academic, Dr Marilyn McMahon, on how media pressure and politics are reshaping bail &ndash; and what it means for justice.</p> <p><br />If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Professor in Deakin Law School, Dr Marilyn McMahon.</p> <p><strong>Photo: </strong>AAP Image / Con Chronis</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>