Juvenile Justice Archives

Illinois Supreme Court hears argument to extend juvenile protections to age 18

The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on the legality of imposing a lengthy mandatory sentence with no hope of parole for crimes committed by a 18-year-old Darien Harris.

by Emily Hoerner May 15, 2018December 5, 2023

Less than Life

Little hope of release for more than 160 Illinois juvenile offenders

Across the country, juvenile offenders are being released from prison based on recognition that human brains continue to develop for the first two and a half decades of life. Nevertheless in Illinois, many who commit crimes as teenagers are likely destined to die in custody.

by Emily Hoerner and Jeanne Kuang May 6, 2018January 30, 2024

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

Juvenile Justice

Cook County prepares speedy hearings for youth, but other counties lag behind

Illinois remains wedded to closing juvenile courtrooms on weekends and holidays, even as the legality of doing so comes into question.

by Adrienne Hurst September 29, 2016December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

Cook County poised to end illegal treatment of minors upon arrest

Cook County court officials have agreed to hold daily hearings for youth upon arrest, ending a longstanding practice that violated U.S. constitutional limits.

by Adrienne Hurst September 20, 2016December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

Federal judge pushes Cook County to give arrested youth prompt hearing

Failing to fix Cook County’s practice of holding youth excessively long post-arrest would be “catastrophic,” Judge Thomas Durkin warned.

by Adrienne Hurst September 13, 2016December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

Update: US judge’s mind boggled that IL hasn’t amended law to protect youth

Legislators tried unsuccessfully to change an Illinois policy that allows minors to be held in jail for lengthy periods without a hearing. Now the issue is going before a federal judge.

by Adrienne Hurst September 12, 2016December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

U.S. Judge: “Mind boggling” that Illinois law does not protect youth

The U.S. Supreme Court long ago said people must go before a judge within 48 hours of being arrested. But that rule has not been followed for Cook County teenagers, a new lawsuit contends.

by Adrienne Hurst September 8, 2016December 5, 2023

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