Christie calls special legislative session on bail

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is calling a special legislative session for lawmakers to overhaul the state’s bail system.

The special session will take place Thursday.

Christie supports a system that would keep dangerous suspects off the streets and allow the release of minor offenders while they await trial.

Advocates last week said lawmakers should move ahead with a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the right to bail for people accused of crimes. But the groups said they also wanted more changes.

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The Legislature must approve it by Aug. 4.

It faces opposition from the bail bond industry as well as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The civil rights group has problems with some of the details of the proposals.

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