State v. Brown

BRIGHTMIRE, Judge.

Nine criminal bond forfeiture cases involving a common issue of law were consolidated for decision by the trial court. The issue is this: Whether the effect of legislative amendments to the bail bond statutes which eliminate the court’s discretion with regard to bond forfeitures unconstitutionally offend the separation of powers doctrine by impermissibly encroaching on the court’s power to control its docket.

The trial court held that the amendments have such an effect and were therefore unconstitutionally void. We, however, hold they do not have, vacate the trial court’s…