When the Pretrial Fairness Act took effect in September, Illinois became the first state to completely eliminate cash bail. Advocates who championed the reform have regarded the victory with caution since the law first passed in 2021, wary that judges might simply replace pretrial detention with house arrest for those who would have walked free—without […]
Tag: bail
Posted inCity Life
Chicago Community Bond Fund celebration and more
The Chicago Community Bond Fund, a local group working to end pretrial incarceration and the cash bail system, is hosting its seventh annual end of year celebration. Take stock of the group’s trials and tribulations over the past 365 days while enjoying a panel led by Chicago Black Social Cultural Map, dance performances, a disco-influenced […]
Posted inAgenda
First Tuesdays at the Hideout, Isaiah Collier at the MCA, and more
It’s the first Tuesday of the month, which means that Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky and former Reader staffer Maya Dukmasova host their monthly live interview show at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). First Tuesdays tonight takes on the politics of the Pretrial Fairness Act (“It’s not a ‘purge law,’” they tell us). Join Maya […]
Posted inBlogs
Can an algorithm erase bias in Cook County bond courts?
Experts debate whether computerized risk-assessment will mitigate or exacerbate alleged racial and class biases among Cook County judges.
Posted inBlogs
DOJ’s new stance on bail bonds won’t help poor inmates in Cook County Jail
Illinois law already prohibits fixed bail, and the poor are disproportionately jailed anyway.
Posted inBlogs
Is state’s attorney Anita Alvarez protecting public safety—or an obstacle to justice?
The race to be Cook County’s top prosecutor gets under way with questions about fairness and incarceration.
Posted inNews & Politics
The latest Cook County Jail fight
Officials continue to battle over who’s getting locked up in Cook County.
Posted inBlogs
Chief judge: Court problems could be solved if other officials understood civics the way I do
The bail and jail system may be a mess, but at least Timothy Evans understands the separation of powers.
Posted inNews & Politics
In bond court, it’s better to be lucky than good
In bond court, it’s better to be lucky than good.
Posted inNews & Politics
Do we have the right people locked up?
How a medieval court system is costing you money—and compromising safety