Cash bail has "so many disadvantages," warned John Goldkamp, chairman of the Temple University criminal justice program, who is widely seen as the leading academic expert on Philadelphia's courts.
"People who shouldn't be released can purchase it," he said. "People who should be released can't be because they can't afford it."
The differing views were aired during a session of a volunteer advisory panel established after The Inquirer published an in-depth critique in late 2009 of the Philadelphia courts.
The series portrayed a criminal justice system in crisis, buffeted by widespread witness intimidation, a massive number of fugitives, and some of the nation's lowest conviction rates for violent crimes.
As the state Senate panel met at the Philadelphia Bar Association offices at 11th and Market Streets, members also briefed the committee about proposals to reduce witness fear.
Jonathan S. Satinsky, a criminal defense lawyer with the Ballard Spahr firm, urged the state to provide $390,000 in annual funding so the District Attorney's Office could create a unit to prosecute those who threaten victims and witnesses.
District Attorney Seth Williams said later Monday that he would welcome the money.
"In almost every homicide case in Philadelphia, and in almost every shooting case, there is some level of intimidation," Williams said. "If we had some detectives to follow those leads, to bring specific cases, that would do a lot to prevent other cases."
Among other proposals, Satinsky's panel also called for the Philadelphia Housing Authority and the state's victim-assistance agency to do more to provide shelter for witnesses who are in danger in their neighborhoods.
