Injustice Watch (https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/)
After a defendant was convicted of charges she was part of a drug distribution ring, she cited widespread errors by her attorney, William Laws. The federal trial judge agreed that his poor performance had caused her to be unfairly sentenced. Years later, that case has come up again as Laws is a candidate for Cook County Circuit judge.
Eight appointed Cook County judges who lost their primary electoral bids for longer-term seats on the bench last March may get another chance at one of 17 vacant judicial seats this spring. They have been named finalists for associate judge vacancies.
An Illinois Appellate Court panel opinion this week condemned police deception in interrogations not only for the risk of wrongful convictions, but for the breach of community trust. “I have never seen such a statement before in a court case,” one expert said.
In overturning a murder conviction, an Illinois Appellate Court panel warns police that using deception to win convictions undermines community trust in the police. The opinion also faults prosecutor and trial judge for their roles in a wrongful conviction.
Attorneys for Andrés Arias argued the former Colombian official, who is claiming political persecution, cannot be extradited, while the U.S. said a previous judge’s extradition order should not be disturbed.
A Colombian former official says the U.S. promised help getting political asylum. Instead, he faces extradition without an asylum hearing.
It was not business-as-usual in the Cook County judicial primaries last week. Candidates with blemishes on their record were disfavored by voters. Judges already serving by appointment, or candidates who came out of the prosecutors’ office, found those perceived advantages did not sway voters. And Latinos seemed to gain strength at the expense of the traditional dominance of Irish names.
Early morning returns offer hope: Voters appeared to favor judicial candidates without blemishes
Use this pocket version of our voter’s guide at the polls to find out information about your judicial candidates.
Our guide to the Cook County judicial candidates running for seats in the 4th subcircuit.
Our guide to the Cook County judicial candidates running for seats in the 15th subcircuit.
