News
Cook County judge weighs whether cops’ photos are public record
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Three years ago, the city rejected a request for photographs of nine officers by Injustice Watch co-director Rob Warden. On Friday, that denial got to court.
News
Blemishes and all, associate judges seek new terms
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Some associate judges have faced repeated reversals and criticism from appellate courts. Some have engaged in troublesome past behavior. But Circuit Court judges, who are now voting on which get new terms, are armed with little information about those cases. Injustice Watch spent the past month digging into the records of the judges on the ballot. Here are our reports.
News
Former prisoner, a transgender woman, tells of battle to choose her own name
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Eisha Love is one of nine transgender plaintiffs challenging Illinois law that restricts former prisoners from choosing their own names. Ms. Love sat down with Abby Blachman and Charles Preston of Injustice Watch to describe why this issue matters so much.
News
Illinois corrections officials contend rules not binding on their conduct
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An Illinois prisoner was put in isolation for a year after a hearing at which officials denied him calling witnesses or seeing the evidence and the outcome was decided ahead of time. In defending against the prisoners’ lawsuit, the state contends that prison officials did not have to follow the rules.
Judicial Election Guides
2018 Cook County Judicial Voting Guide
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59 judges are up for retention. 10 candidates are seeking seats on the bench for the first time in contested elections. Use this guide to help you make an informed decision when you vote.
News
Injustice Watch named finalist for Online Journalism Award
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The Online News Association has named Injustice Watch a finalist for the 2018 Online Journalism Awards, which honor excellence in digital storytelling and distribution. Injustice Watch’s series, A Broken System, was selected for the Al Neuharth Innovation in Investigative Journalism Award. The series exposed widespread corruption in the Kansas City, Kansas, criminal justice system which led to the wrongful conviction of Lamonte McIntyre. Days later, McIntyre was released after serving 23 years for murders he did not commit. Winners will be announced at the Online News Association Conference and Online Journalism Awards Banquet on Saturday, Sept.
News
Breaking: Former judges, prosecutors urge Illinois Supreme Court to reform bail
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The state Supreme Court is urged to reform the bail system statewide, ensuring that defendants would not be held in custody awaiting trial only because of their poverty.
Projects
Innocent of crime, but pleading guilty anyway
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Injustice Watch joined forces with other news organizations to examine why innocent people would plead guilty to crimes. At times, it is the logical choice.
Projects
Plea deals punish the innocent, hide the guilty in Baltimore police scandal
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A federal investigation revealed 8 Baltimore police officers were stealing from suspects, planting evidence. Most of their victims pleaded guilty. Many were not.
Projects
Would you plead guilty?
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You’ve been arrested and you have a choice: take your chances in court or plead guilty and go home with a criminal record?