Bail reform bill tabled

Anil Nandlall

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall on Thursday tabled a bail reform bill that once passed would require police to consider the granting of bail within 24 hours of taking persons into custody for non-serious offences.

According to its explanatory memorandum, the bill, aimed at reducing overcrowding in the prisons, will ensure the efficient functioning of the criminal justice system while recognising that a person is innocent until proven guilty and has a right to personal liberty.