Juvenile Justice Archives

Judge blocks key legal protection for detained youth

Presiding Judge Michael Toomin has said youth detention reviews cannot be filed if they mention a law that juveniles cannot be held more than 30 days pre-trial. Chief Judge Timothy Evans is clarifying his order to say they can.

by John Seasly April 30, 2020December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

City watchdog: Juvenile diversion program has failed to meet goals

The city has operated the Juvenile Intervention and Support Center “for almost fourteen years without demonstrating evidence of its effectiveness,” according to the Inspector General

by Jonah Newman February 25, 2020December 5, 2023

Less than Life

After courts order new sentence, Cook County prisoner given 39 years for murder committed as youth

An Illinois man originally sentenced to serve 100 years in prison for a murder he committed at age 16 was re-sentenced Monday to 39 years by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kenneth J. Wadas.

by Emily Hoerner June 3, 2019December 5, 2023

Less than Life

Illinois Supreme Court rules that 41-year term for juvenile offender amounts to life

The Illinois Supreme Court unanimously ruled in a landmark decision Thursday that a 41-year sentence for a juvenile offender constitutes the equivalent of a life term.The decision triggers sentencing protections for juvenile offenders who are sentenced to more than 40 years in prison.

by Emily Hoerner April 18, 2019December 5, 2023

Less than Life

Illinois high court hears defense, prosecutor debate 50-year sentence for youth

The Illinois Supreme Court justices have the chance to decide how long is too long in sentencing juvenile offenders to prison without any hope of parole. At issue is a 50-year sentence imposed by a Cook County judge in a murder committed by a 16-year old.

by Emily Hoerner January 15, 2019December 5, 2023

Less than Life

Question before court: How long is too long for sentencing youthful offenders?

Following U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Illinois’ high court has already ruled a 97-year mandatory sentence for a crime committed as a youth violates the constitution. But how many years is too much time? The court this week takes up the case of a man sentenced to 50 years in prison for a crime committed as a 16-year-old.

by Emily Hoerner January 14, 2019December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

After 40 years, Illinois legislature moves to restore possible parole for youth

Illinois legislature sent the governor a bill Wednesday that would offer the possibility of parole to prisoners who commit crimes before their 21st birthday. Prison reform supporters hope it becomes first step in offering the possibility of parole to all prisoners, a right taken away 40 years ago.

by Emily Hoerner November 28, 2018December 5, 2023

Juvenile Justice

Illinois Supreme Court: Juvenile protections do not extend to 18-year-olds

The Illinois Supreme Court Thursday declined to expand sentencing protections afforded to juveniles to an 18-year-old offender, reversing an Illinois appellate court ruling that held unconstitutional a 76-year sentence without hope of parole to a defendant who committed murder at 18.

by Emily Hoerner October 18, 2018December 5, 2023

Left: Cyntoia Brown in an undated photo in prison; right: the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati

Less than Life

U.S. Appeals Court hears arguments on youth sentence of 51 years before parole

Was Cyntoia Brown, convicted of murder at age 16 and given a sentence that would make her eligible for release at age 67, given an unconstitutional life sentence?

by Emily Hoerner and Jeanne Kuang June 15, 2018December 5, 2023

Less than Life

Illinois high court to consider how much time is too much for youth crime

The Illinois Supreme Court will consider whether a sentence of 50 years without parole for a 16-year-old violates the state and federal constitutions. Courts nationwide and in Illinois have struggled with where to draw the line for crimes committed by juveniles.

by Emily Hoerner and Jeanne Kuang June 4, 2018December 5, 2023

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