JAIL Act

The proposed legislation, titled the Judicial Accountability for Irresponsible Leniency Act or the JAIL Act , establishes a mechanism for civil actions against judges and government entities. This allows individuals harmed by certain defendants released on bail to seek damages from those responsible for the release. Specifically, if a "covered defendant" —defined as someone charged with a crime of violence who has a prior conviction for a crime of violence—harms another person while out on bail, the victim or their immediate family may file a civil suit. Crucially, the bill stipulates that judicial immunity will not serve as a defense in these civil actions, applying to both Federal and State judges.