Latest News - Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts

Cook County State’s Attorney Has Not Agreed to Release in Approximately 80% of Cases during COVID-19 Pandemic

UPDATE: On July 1, 2020, at the request of the States Attorney's Office, this post was updated to include the results of their analysis of a selection of court call transcripts from March 19-April 8. Please see addendum at the end of this post for more information. Since the first case o...

We Can Do More to Protect Individuals, Workers, and Communities In and Around Illinois Prisons

Illinois must ensure that the rights and wellbeing of individuals living and working in prisons and the surrounding communities are protected. While Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) have taken some essential steps toward decarceration and transparency in detention...

Eliminating Money Bond is an Evidence-Based, Common Sense Approach to Combat Mass Incarceration

This morning, the Chicago Tribune published an attack on bail reform in Cook County. Today’s article attacked two respected organizations, the Chicago Community Bond Fund and The Bail Project, a national bond fund. As leaders in bail reform efforts, Chicago Appleseed and the Chicago Council of Lawye...

Victory in Federal Court: Sheriff Tom Dart Ordered to Improve COVID-19 Protections in Cook County Jail

This morning, Federal Judge Matthew Kennelly issued a court order that extends federal court oversight of the Cook County Jail, requiring Sheriff Tom Dart to make desperately needed changes to the conditions inside and decrease the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Chicago Appleseed has provided...

Calling on IL Attorney General & Cook County Court to Protect Consumers Against CARES Act Garnishments

The Collaboration for Justice—Chicago Appleseed and the Chicago Council of Lawyers—works to promote equity and full access to justice for all in our courts and regulatory systems. We promote reforms that recognize the intersection of social, economic justice and the court system. Our judicial system...