The Judicial Accountability for Irresponsible Leniency Act (JAIL Act) would allow crime victims to sue judges and government entities in federal court if a repeat violent offender causes harm while released on bail before trial. The bill specifically targets defendants who have previous convictions for crimes of violence and are charged with another crime of violence. A key provision removes judicial immunity—a legal protection that normally shields judges from lawsuits—meaning judges could not use that defense in these civil cases. The legislation applies to both federal and state judges and would permit victims or their immediate family members to seek monetary damages. The bill was introduced in September 2025 but does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines.
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