Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) announced plans to change the state's bail laws today, giving judges the freedom to withhold bail from violent or repeat offenders.
The move requires a constitutional amendment, which lawmakers must agree to put on the ballot. Voters will then get the opportunity to weigh in.
Christie was joined by six county prosecutors and the state's attorney general at a State House news conference and said the change will prevent witness tampering.
Civil liberty activists, including the ACLU, cautiously support the changes, but want safeguards put in place to prevent abuse.