Emily Hoerner, Senior Reporter at Injustice Watch

Cook County judge Jessica O’Brien indicted on federal financial fraud charges

The U.S. Attorney’s office has indicted a Cook County judge on charges of mortgage fraud. The charges accuse Jessica A. O’Brien of deceiving lenders to obtain inflated loans to buy properties and maintain them, during a time when O’Brien worked as an Special Assistant Attorney General while also working part time a loan officer.

by Emily Hoerner April 12, 2017January 31, 2024

Experts: Easterbrook misstatements shows need for greater judicial scrutiny

In the wake of Injustice Watch probe of a pattern of misstatements in opinions by Judge Frank H. Easterbrook of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, a series of legal experts said there is simply not enough scrutiny of the work of appellate judges. The lack of attention stands in contrast to the powerful role of the circuit courts.

by Emily Hoerner and Rick Tulsky April 10, 2017December 5, 2023

Pattern of misstated facts found in opinions of renowned U.S. Judge Easterbrook

When respected law professor Albert Alschuler said renowned federal appeals court judge Frank Easterbrook engaged in “eight whoppers” in a high-profile case, Injustice Watch undertook a review of the judge’s other cases. The result: A pattern of misrepresenting facts: Misstatements, omissions and wrong assumptions.

by Emily Hoerner and Rick Tulsky April 4, 2017December 5, 2023

Bail and Pretrial

Sheriff dropped from lawsuit challenging bail; focus now on Cook County judges

Cook County sheriff Tom Dart has been dropped from lawsuit challenging the confinement pretrial of people charged with nonviolent crimes simply because they are too poor to make bail. Dart had contended he never should have been named in lawsuit; attorneys for the detainees says move focuses the case on the judges who decide on bail.

by Emily Hoerner and Jeanne Kuang March 14, 2017December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

Bill attacks Illinois’ “worst in nation” system of expunging juvenile records

County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined advocates and lawmakers in supporting new Illinois legislation that would simplify system for juveniles of getting their records clear. The current system was called the “worst in the nation.”

by Emily Hoerner March 13, 2017December 5, 2023

Bail and Pretrial

Cook County prosecutor to seek release of defendants locked up on low bonds

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx on Wednesday jumped into the issue of bail reform, announcing that her office would actively support agreed upon requests by public defenders that judges free defendants who remain in custody because they are unable to post bonds up to $1,000.

by Emily Hoerner and Jeanne Kuang March 1, 2017December 5, 2023

Police

Chicago officials: Trump’s priorities will not hamper police reform

Trump wants to end Chicago’s “carnage,” but what about its police abuse? Local officials say reform will go on regardless.

by Emily Hoerner and Adrienne Hurst January 25, 2017December 5, 2023

Police

Feds, Chicago mayor vow reform after report documents police abuse pattern

As they released a 164-page blistering report on longstanding misconduct by Chicago police, top officials of the U.S. Department of Justice pledged to work cooperatively with Chicago officials to push for reform.

by Emily Hoerner, Adrienne Hurst and Jeanne Kuang January 12, 2017December 5, 2023

Unequal Treatment

Cook County Sheriff proposes an end to cash bail

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced Monday that he is embracing an end to cash bail. “We’ve got to blow the system up and replace it with a system that is not dependent on wealth,” said Cara Smith, Dart’s chief policy advisor.

by Emily Hoerner and Jeanne Kuang November 15, 2016December 5, 2023

2016 Retention

Cop brutality case among Judge Nicholas Ford’s many reversals

He twice threw out the case against a police officer who was accused of beating two teenagers. Sixteen of his rulings have been reversed since 2010. Now he’s running for retention as a Cook County judge.

by Emily Hoerner October 28, 2016December 5, 2023

Get our weekly newsletter