Toni Preckwinkle Archives

Cook County Democrats slate 5 judicial candidates, prepare for lean 2026 war chest

Last week the party nominated a diverse slate for a record-low number of vacant judicial positions open to countywide voting.

by Maya Dukmasova July 22, 2025July 24, 2025

A four-story white building that houses the Cook County Juvenile Court and Juvenile Temporary Detention Center

Youth Incarceration

Cook County plans to replace juvenile detention center with smaller ‘centers of care’

Fewer than 50 kids are expected to remain in the juvenile jail, while most kids will be released post-arrest or held in semi-secure, community-based facilities, according to a proposal from Chief Judge Timothy Evans’ office.

by Kelly Garcia May 24, 2024May 26, 2024

2024 Primary

It’s never been easier or harder to become a Cook County judge

Another year of record-low filings have created the least competitive judicial election in memory, but many contenders boast impressive resumes, political connections, and the blessing of the Illinois Supreme Court.

by Maya Dukmasova February 8, 2024February 22, 2024

Court Administration

Cook County and its courts settle suit: Furloughs, cutbacks but no layoffs

In settlement of rare lawsuit by Cook County Circuit Court’s chief judge against the county, courts win right to decide how budget cuts in court system are enacted; Cook County wins some, but not all, budget cuts it sought.

by Mari Cohen July 18, 2018December 5, 2023

Bail and Pretrial

Breaking: Former judges, prosecutors urge Illinois Supreme Court to reform bail

The state Supreme Court is urged to reform the bail system statewide, ensuring that defendants would not be held in custody awaiting trial only because of their poverty.

by Injustice Watch Staff July 9, 2018December 5, 2023

Criminal Courts

Cook County judge rules she lacks power to find cash bail unconstitutional

Coalition of reform groups hoped to win ruling that cash bail system discriminated against pre-trial detainees held because they could not make bail, while wealthier defendants walked free before trial. But Cook County Chancery judge concludes the lawsuit was asking for relief that was beyond her authority to grant.

by Jeanne Kuang June 28, 2018December 5, 2023

Cook County Jail

Lawsuit contends Dart illegally holding inmates despite judges’ bond decisions

A recent inmate in Cook County jail has brought a class action suit against Sheriff Tom Dart, contending she was illegally held in custody even after she met the requirements set by a judge for release on electronic monitoring. The sheriff’s office contends the complaints about the new review policy are unfounded and “grandstanding.”

by Rick Tulsky February 28, 2018December 5, 2023

Cook County Jail

Sheriff’s warning over bail release sparks response from Cook County officials

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart warned County Board President Toni Preckwinkle that the way bail reforms are being enacted risks a dangerous situation. But Preckwinkle responded that Dart’s own numbers do not support that conclusion.

by Rick Tulsky February 28, 2018December 5, 2023

Immigration

Trump administration threatens anew cities, counties over policing immigration

Frustrated by a U.S. District Judge’s blanket order halting federal efforts to punish cities, counties that do not cooperate on immigration policing, the Trump administration has launched a new effort. Cook County, Chicago are among the jurisdictions that could fact cutbacks in funding for law enforcement.

by Jeanne Kuang January 24, 2018December 5, 2023

Big Illinois justice job about to be filled: Trouble is, few know of opening

Illinois court officials are working to fill a key job: The chief state appellate lawyer. The agency is facing a large backlog, and potential budget crisis, a situation where innovative leadership is critical. Yet poor outreach has left the pool of applicants disturbingly tiny.

by Jean Maclean Snyder December 7, 2017December 5, 2023

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