Key issues • Illinois

Illinois to eliminate cash bail in January 2023

Debate surrounds a new law in January that will eliminate cash bail in Illinois.

On Thursday, a group of activists and lawmakers held a press conference outside the Cook County Courthouse to try to clear up some locals’ misgivings. “That act becomes a way to make it safer in our communities, not less safe,” said Pastor Charles Straight with the People’s Lobby. “The more people that understand that, the more we will be able to move to a society and a justice system that better addresses the needs of communities and not just the needs of people who can pay for themselves when they are accused of a crime.”

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