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    The Courts

    Stories about court processes and procedures, appellate dockets, bail reform, and other aspects of the court system.

    Illustration showing a courthouse with a lock and chain around it and papers floating above that read

    It’s time to make Illinois courts subject to the public-records law

    By Jonah Newman | February 21, 2023

    For decades, Illinois courts have written themselves out of the state’s Freedom of Information Act. A new bill could change that and bring much-needed transparency to the court system.

    A figure stands in front of an arcade-style claw game filled with people. At the back is a door marked DOC. On the floor is a folder marked

    Three strikes for Cook County prosecutors

    Eisha Love and other advocates are fighting to change Illinois’ name-change statute. They say the law disproportionately affects trans people.

    Trans people with felony convictions fight for right to change names in Illinois

    Robert Smith on March 14, 2022 sitting in a wheelchair outside his Roseland home.

    Former Chicago police superintendent accused of lying in murder case

    Man walks out of prison 28 years early — with the help of a prosecutor

    News

    Cook County has been giving felony records to people who should not have them

    By Shannon Heffernan (WBEZ) | May 17, 2023

    For at least three years, a data error has caused chaos in the lives of people who were promised a clean record if they did probation.

    News
    A witness testifies before Illinois Senate committee on vote to limit SCRAM

    Bill to limit judges’ ability to order alcohol monitoring heads to governor’s desk

    By Maya Dukmasova | April 12, 2023

    The measure follows an Injustice Watch investigation into abuses of the ankle bracelet program known as SCRAM.

    Cam Systems
    A close-up shot of a person's leg with a black square monitor strapped to their ankle. The monitor says

    SCRAM devices come under fire from Cook County board

    By Maya Dukmasova | September 23, 2022

    Following Injustice Watch’s reporting, county commissioners held a hearing into the company that has billed more than $3 million to defendants ordered to wear SCRAM alcohol monitors.

    Events
    Four people in professional dress seated behind a table with microphones in front of them, speaking on a panel about the Cook County courts.

    6 takeaways from our community conversation about systemic issues in the Cook County courts

    By Maureen Dunne and Sky Patterson | September 16, 2022

    Injustice Watch convened a community conversation about systemic inequities in the Cook County courts and possible solutions last month, as part of The Circuit, our ongoing collaborative investigation into two decades of Cook County court data.

    Judicial Elections
    Chief Judge Timothy Evans

    Evans elected to record 8th term as Cook County chief judge

    By Jonah Newman | September 13, 2022

    Judge Timothy Evans was unopposed in his bid to remain Cook County’s top judge, a post he has held for 21 years.

    News
    An illiustration showing computer pop-up windows that say

    Lack of statewide pretrial data is an impediment to reforms, advocates say

    By Rita Oceguera | September 9, 2022

    Advocates for domestic violence survivors say data is essential to debunk misinformation about the Pretrial Fairness Act. But a state board created to collect that data delayed its collection until next year.

    News
    A close-up shot of a person's leg with a black square monitor strapped to their ankle. The monitor says

    SCRAM vendor continues to operate despite lapsed contract with Cook County

    By Maya Dukmasova | August 5, 2022

    With no oversight from county officials or direction from the chief judge, a private contractor continues to profit from court-ordered alcohol monitors.

    News
    A sign reads,

    Did pandemic relief avert an eviction crisis in Chicago? The full picture remains murky.

    By Grace Asiegbu | July 22, 2022

    A court order filed this week will grant Injustice Watch access to previously unavailable eviction data during the pandemic.

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    Injustice Watch is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism organization that conducts in-depth research exposing institutional failures that obstruct justice and equality.

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