Cook County judges talk about their first week without cash bail. ‘The world is looking at us.’
Despite glitches in other courthouses, the first week of bail reform in Cook County went relatively smoothly.
Criminal Justice
The investigative reporters on WBEZ’s criminal justice desk tell the stories of the thousands of individuals churning through the legal systems every year in Chicago, Cook County and Illinois and hold to account the powerful officials in charge of those systems. Covering policing, jails and prisons, gun violence and solutions to it, WBEZ’s Criminal Justice team works to bring understanding to some of the most difficult problems facing our region.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick for top cop appears at City Council committee hearing
The full council could confirm Larry Snelling as soon as next Wednesday.
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Top cop takes blame for not stopping the Sox game after stadium shooting
Fred Waller, Chicago’s temporary top cop, blames “miscommunication” for the error and says the issue has been remedied.
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Bail reform gets its first test Monday, and Cook County sees a smooth rollout
Despite a frenzied morning of last-minute preparations, the hearings at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse were not substantially different from the old cash bail system.
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Courts in counties across Illinois take first steps into a world without cash bail
Illinois is the first state in the U.S. to abolish cash bail. The historic change took effect on Monday, prompting confusion and long days.
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Illinois becomes first state in nation today to eliminate cash bail. Here’s how it will work.
It’s been two years since the Pretrial Fairness Act was passed, but questions remain on who will be jailed and who will not.
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Courts will be ready when Illinois ends cash bail Monday, Chicago-area officials say
“Things aren’t going to be too different for us,” said Cook County Judge Mary Marubio. “It’s just that money will no longer be a condition of release.”
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What to expect when your loved one gets out of prison, from someone who lived it
La Tanya Jenifor-Sublett was released from prison a decade ago. Despite having years to prepare, her transition back was not easy.
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WBEZ’s ‘Prisoncast!’ creates an audio experience for incarcerated people and their families
The broadcast event airs Sunday Sept. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. on WBEZ, Vocalo and Illinois Public Radio stations around the state.
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Downstate leaders say they will need help handling the historic end to cash bail
Judges will be limited in who they can hold in jail pretrial. Rural leaders say they don’t have the staffing to handle the change.
