Guidelines for Decongesting Holding Jails by Enforcing the Rights of Accused Persons to Bail and to Speedy Trial

On April 15, 2014, the Office of the Court Administrator issued Circular No. 56-14 to all judges and clerks of court, providing guidelines aimed at decongesting holding jails. This initiative follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court's Committee for the Decongestion of Jails, emphasizing the enforcement of the rights of accused persons to bail and to a speedy trial. The guidelines were published on March 28, 2014, and took effect on May 1, 2014. Compliance with these guidelines is mandated to ensure the rights of the accused are upheld and to alleviate overcrowding in detention facilities.