police reform Archives

Gov. JB Pritzker signs criminal justice reform package sitting at a green table surrounded by lawmakers in suits and face masks..

Illinois criminal justice reform ends cash bail, changes felony murder rule

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs historic criminal justice reform package into law, reforming almost every area of the justice system — from police accountability to pretrial detention to sentencing.

by Emanuella Evans and Rita Oceguera February 23, 2021January 8, 2024

Bail and Pretrial

Illinois criminal justice reform bill critics playing ‘Fear-Mongering Bingo’ says State Sen. Robert Peters

Peters alleges that police and conservatives bashing the reforms, including the “Pretrial Fairness Act” that would end cash bail in Illinois, are using “Willie Horton-style scare tactics.”

by Robert Peters January 21, 2021December 5, 2023

Bail and Pretrial

Illinois lawmakers move to end cash bail with ‘Pretrial Fairness Act’

A bill that would end the use of cash bail statewide passed in the Illinois legislature this week. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign the provision, part of a massive criminal justice reform bill, into law.

by Emanuella Evans January 14, 2021December 5, 2023

Tinkering won’t curtail police deadly force

A thorough investigation of the shooting of Laquan McDonald, of course, is in order, as are investigations into every other recent and ensuing use of deadly force by Chicago police. Chicagoans deserve, and have every right to demand, honest answers — but the answers by themselves won’t change the status quo.

by Rob Warden November 30, 2015December 5, 2023

Get our weekly newsletter