Posted inUnequal Treatment
Not locked up, but still coming to court
Does releasing more people before trial—without requiring bail money—make sense? Here’s what the numbers show.
Bail and Pretrial
Illinois became the first state in the country to eliminate cash bail in 2023. We cover bond court reforms, the long fight to end cash bail, and the ongoing implementation of the SAFE-T Act.
Posted inUnequal Treatment
Cook County commissioners to examine bail practices in public hearing
Experts and affected residents will meet with commissioners in November to talk about Cook County’s bail practices.
Posted inUnequal Treatment
Lawsuit: Cash bail in Cook County violates rights of poor accused of crimes
A newly filed lawsuit contends that thousands of poor people, especially African Americans, are being illegally locked up before trial in Cook County because they are too poor to be able to post bond.
Posted inUnequal Treatment
Change difficult as bail system’s powerful hold continues punishing the poor
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Posted inUnequal Treatment
Bent on Bail
Like a game of jail roulette, money bail punishes defendants based on often arbitrary factors—including the size of their wallets. The cost to both inmates and taxpayers is tremendous.