Texas puts an end to debtors jail

[TexasTowelie]

Last year, more than half a million people spent time in a Texas jail to pay off traffic tickets and fines for low-level misdemeanors.

Starting Sept. 1, judges will have to consider a defendant’s economic means, and allow for alternatives to incarceration for Class C misdemeanors before locking them up in lieu of payment.

While the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed debtor’s prisons more than 40 years ago — making it unlawful to jail people for their inability to pay a court fine — many states allow it.

Texas just became among growing list of states prohibiting the practice. Legislation authored by state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this month mirrors successful policies already in place in municipal courts in San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/editorials/article/Texas-puts-an-end-to-debtors-jail-11243233.php

[CozyMystery]

1. When I lived in Massachusetts, the state allowed it

Here's how it worked.

Someone is sued civilly for nonpayment of a bill. They go to court. The reason they haven't paid the bill is that they didn't have the money. The judge orders them to pay within 30 days or they will go to jail.

They aren't jailed for the debt. They are jailed for disobeying a lawful court order.

[Gothmog]

3. This is great news