True or False: The bail system is designed to ensure that all defendants, regardless of their financial status, have equal access to pre-trial release, thus minimizing economic disparities in the justice system.

The statement is false. The bail system often favors those who can afford to pay for their release, which means that wealthier defendants can get out of jail while awaiting trial, while poorer defendants may have to stay in jail simply because they cannot pay. This creates a situation where economic status affects a person's freedom, leading to unfair treatment in the justice system. For example, if two people are accused of the same crime but one has enough money for bail and the other does not, the one without money will remain in jail longer, even if they are both innocent. Therefore, instead of minimizing economic disparities, the bail system can actually increase them.