Injustice Watch (https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/)
An Injustice Watch investigation identified 14 cases of defendants of color convicted on gun charges based on testimony or video, though no gun was found. The convictions stand in contrast to what happened when Cook County associate Judge Joseph Claps was acquitted after dropping what deputies called a gun on the floor of the courthouse lobby.
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.
For years officials heard that a court designed to help keep offenders out of prison was flawed, and complaints grew that the judge in charge was a key part of the problem. Frustrated that the issues were not fixed, state officials this month cut off the court’s funding, ending the program.
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.
59 judges are up for retention. 10 candidates are seeking seats on the bench for the first time in contested elections. Use this guide to help you make an informed decision when you vote.
The committee that provides funding for Cook County circuit judges’ retention campaigns is turning much of its money over to the Cook County Democratic party, even though the party is mounting a campaign to defeat one retention judge, Matthew Coghlan.
A year after being exonerated, Lamonte McIntyre and his mother file suit, contending he was victim of corrupt Kansas City, KS police that officials tolerated for decades.
Despite an order by the chief judge to take defendants’ ability to pay into account when setting bail, Judge Michael R. Clancy still often sets unaffordable bonds. He is one of 59 judges running for retention this fall.
For decades Cook County Democrats have supported every judge running for retention, regardless of his or her record. That changed Friday, when the party decided not to support Judge Matthew Coghlan, whose record was the subject of an Injustice Watch review in June.
As he seeks retention, Cook County Circuit Judge Michael McHale faces questions about his conduct handling a series of criminal trials. Defense attorneys in one contend he engaged in improper contacts with prosecutors.
Nine months after an amended state law, designed to address prison overcrowding by broadening opportunities for inmates to shave up to six months off their sentences, went into effect, doubts have emerged about whether the Illinois Department of Corrections is doing enough to carry out the law.