What is the aim of pre-trial release?

The aim of pre-trial release primarily focuses on securing a defendant's attendance at trial while simultaneously ensuring the safety of the community. When a defendant is granted pre-trial release, they are allowed to remain free from incarceration while awaiting their court date, under specific conditions that may include supervision, restrictions on travel, or avoiding contact with certain individuals. This system is designed to balance the rights of the accused with public safety and the integrity of the judicial process.

In many judicial systems, the assumption is that a person is innocent until proven guilty; therefore, pre-trial release is intended to allow defendants to maintain their lives and responsibilities while still holding them accountable to return for their court hearings. This practice helps to prevent overcrowding in jails and recognizes that not all individuals pose a risk of flight or danger to the community while they await trial.