News
New class of Cook County associate judges more racially diverse than past years
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Former prosecutors dominate the roster of 22 new associate judges, who were selected last week by the county’s circuit judges.
COVID-19
No one knows how many Chicago cops are vaccinated against Covid-19
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How many cops have gotten their vaccine shots? The question has a definite answer. But no one in Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office or the police department seems able to put a number on it.
News
Illinois Supreme Court fills vacancy of judge who locked grandniece in holding cell
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The subcircuit seat has been vacant since Dec. 7, after Judge Jackie Portman-Brown lost her retention bid.
News
Lack of statewide oversight has led to excessive caseloads for Illinois public defenders, study says
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Illinois is one of just seven states with no statewide oversight of public defenders. A new bill passed by the Illinois General Assembly would create a task force to further study public defender caseloads and quality of representation.
Cook County Public Defender
Cook County’s new public defender seeks more visibility — and money — for his office
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Sharone Mitchell Jr., who took over the public defender’s office in April, hopes to add more attorneys and work with community groups fighting for racial justice and systemic change.
Español
Secretaria del Tribunal Iris Martínez asegura transparencia con nuevo proyecto de ley. Sus críticos dicen que dicha propuesta es lo opuesto a lo que ella prometió.
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La secretaria del Tribunal del Circuito del Condado de Cook Iris Martínez ha dado pie atrás a su promesa de campaña de darle al público más acceso a los registros de su oficina bajo la Ley de Libertad de Información del estado.
News
Circuit Court Clerk touts transparency with new bill. Critics say it’s not what she promised.
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As a candidate, Iris Martinez said the Freedom of Information Act was the ‘only way’ to address problems in the scandal-plagued office, but now she backs a transparency bill that critics say is toothless.
News
Illinois lawmakers clash with state Supreme Court over bias training for judges
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The Judicial Quality Act passed out of a state Senate committee Wednesday, despite opposition from the Illinois Supreme Court.
Prisons and Jails
Over 200,000 people are serving life in U.S. prisons. These are the consequences.
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The Sentencing Project’s latest report explores “America’s enduring reliance on life imprisonment.”