Sam Hart, Author at Injustice Watch

Federal gun prosecutions in Chicago region lag despite shooting epidemic

An Injustice Watch analysis shows the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted far fewer gun crimes than comparable districts.

by Sam Hart May 4, 2017May 28, 2019

400 Years of Execution

Injustice Watch takes a look at how and for what crimes people have been executed on American soil.

by Sam Hart April 24, 2017May 28, 2019

Easterbrook Case Explorer

by Sam Hart April 4, 2017December 5, 2023

Police

Cops in Cook County among worst, huge study of traffic stops across U.S. finds

Dubious distinction: In one of the largest studies of traffic stops ever, researchers at the University of North Carolina found several Cook County departments have among the worst ratios of searching after stops people of color compared to white drivers.

by Sam Hart February 28, 2017January 31, 2024

Unequal Treatment

Cops and Stops

First in a series of reports examining the unequal treatment afforded people of color at critical points in the criminal justice system.

by Emily Hoerner and Sam Hart July 6, 2016January 30, 2024

Unequal Treatment

Cops and Stops

by Emily Hoerner and Sam Hart June 29, 2016January 30, 2024

2016 Primary

Cook County judicial candidates: who’s running and how they’re rated

Dozens are vying for judge’s seats in Cook County. Not all of them got recommendations from local bar groups.

by Sam Hart February 24, 2016January 30, 2024

Judicial Elections

Becoming a Circuit Judge in Cook County

Becoming a circuit judge in Cook County is a complex process. Here’s an explanation of how it works.

by Sam Hart February 16, 2016December 5, 2023

As cops’ versions of shootings contested, City pays millions

Ten times in the last five years, the City of Chicago has paid $1 million or more to settle claims stemming from fatal shootings by Chicago police officers, city records show. All of the 10 people shot were African-American. Eight were 25 or younger. Nine were men. Nine of the shootings occurred on the South Side.

by Emily Hoerner, Zoë Rosenbaum and Sam Hart January 25, 2016December 5, 2023

Bad Judgment

Illinois Courts Commission: A look at the lengths and results of the cases

Of the few cases that appear before the Courts Commission, punishment is slow and seldom more than a public reprimand.

by Sam Hart November 22, 2015February 1, 2024

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