This paper presents an argument for the abolition of police bail without charge. The police have extensive powers to release on bail a person who they have arrested, without charging them with an offence. Moreover, they have extensive powers to attach conditions to that bail. There is no time limit on the period for which a person can be bailed, and little judicial oversight. These powers can have severe detrimental effects on persons bailed, and yet are almost unenforceable - and there is little or no evidence of their efficacy. The paper argues that government plans to regulate police bail are unlikely to be effective, that powers to impose conditions should be abolished, and that bail without charge should be limited to 14 days.
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