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California Judges Make the Case for Bail Reform
From San Francisco to Chicago, cities are experimenting with eliminating cash bail. Will it work?
Opponents of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act took every possible action to prevent implementation of the controversial bail reform measure this year — including challenging it in court.
They failed.
“On July 18, 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its opinion overturning the Circuit Court and found the pre-trial fairness act constitutional,” said State’s Attorney Jaqueline Lacy in a statement reacting to the verdict. “To say I am disappointed is an understatement. I firmly believe that this decision will be a detriment to the criminal justice system and the People of Vermillion County.”
“It does not appear that the Cook County courts are equipped for the enormity of the task required in the exercise of discretion to require bail or deny release,” wrote Paul Vallas for the Chicago Tribune on July 26, 2023. “Currently, it takes judges just minutes to hear information that is available about defendants, depending on the case. With the SAFE-T Act and its requirements, hearings will take much longer.”
But the SAFE-T Act isn’t without its adherents.
“I’m pleased that the Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the SAFE-T Act and the…