UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Office of Adult Learner Programs and Services, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, is sponsoring a viewing of the film "Bail Trap: American Ransom," followed by a panel discussion from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23, in Freeman Auditorium, HUB-Robeson Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Money bail is one of the main causes of mass incarceration in the United States, according to the film’s website. Yet, few people know what the money bail system is, let alone how it all works or why we need to do away with it. "Bail Trap: American Ransom" is a short film about America’s broken bail system produced by Brave New Films.
A panel discussion following the viewing will explore what the bail trap looks like in Centre County as well as a new Clean Slate law that will automatically seal 30 million criminal cases and help many people across the commonwealth to get a fresh start. Panelists include local Magistrate Judge Steven Lachman, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna, Student Legal Services attorney Daniel Mckenrick, Alternative in Community Justice Director Evelyn Wald and members from the Pennsylvania Prison Society.
Attendees are welcome to submit questions for the panel discussion to Leslie Laing, director, Office of Adult Learner Programs and Services, at lal24@psu.edu.