Bail reform refers to changes in the legal system aimed at modifying how bail is set and managed. Traditionally, bail allows individuals accused of crimes to be released from jail while awaiting trial, often requiring a monetary payment. Reform efforts seek to reduce reliance on cash bail, which can disproportionately affect low-income individuals who may remain incarcerated simply because they cannot afford to pay. These reforms often focus on implementing risk assessment tools to evaluate whether a defendant poses a flight risk or threat to public safety. By prioritizing these assessments over financial means, bail reform aims to create a fairer justice system that ensures equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their economic status.