Featured
Two brothers, two choices: a plea bargain’s toll on the innocent
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Henry and Juan Johnson, wrongly convicted of murder, won a new trial after 11 years in prison. The prosecutor offered to let them walk free — if they pleaded guilty.
Embattled Cook County judge Coghlan loses party support in bid to keep his seat
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For decades Cook County Democrats have supported every judge running for retention, regardless of his or her record. That changed Friday, when the party decided not to support Judge Matthew Coghlan, whose record was the subject of an Injustice Watch review in June.
News
Defense attorneys contend Cook County judge seeking retention showed bias
As he seeks retention, Cook County Circuit Judge Michael McHale faces questions about his conduct handling a series of criminal trials. Defense attorneys in one contend he engaged in improper contacts with prosecutors.
More Headlines
Prisoners frustrated by slow movement of law offering early release opportunity
Fewer Cook County suspects held pretrial; but reform order not always followed
After 14 years, DuPage judge overturns murder conviction
Commentary
Progress slow in prison reform; politics seems the reason
The corrections department offers no answer on whether any inmates have benefited from the new state law that encourages early release for prisoners who qualify. Politics appears to be blocking an answer.