HOUSTON (AP) — Officials are appealing a judge's ruling that found the Houston-area's bail system unconstitutional for individuals arrested for lesser offenses.

The decision to continue the legal fight was made despite pleas from several local religious leaders who had called on officials to settle the case.

Samuel Karff, rabbi emeritus at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, had called on Harris County commissioners Tuesday to resolve the case and "make right a sad and terrible injustice."

The federal judge's decision was part of a lawsuit accusing Harris County's bail system of keeping misdemeanor defendants jailed only because they can't afford to pay a bond.

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan says he believes the county's bail system is constitutional but officials are working to make the system better.

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