Chicago Implements Pre-Trial Fairness Act, Eliminating Cash Bail
Chicago has taken a significant step towards ensuring fairness and equality in its criminal justice system. The Pre-Trial Fairness Act, a part of the SAFE-T Act, will eliminate cash bail in the city. This crucial development comes after extensive delays and legal challenges from prosecutors and law enforcement leaders who were opposed to the new system.
Under the old system, judges had the authority to set bail as a way to guarantee that defendants would appear for their court hearings. However, starting from today, this practice will cease to exist. If a judge determines that a defendant does not pose a threat to public safety or a flight risk, they will be released without the requirement of posting any money. However, those arrested for violent crimes will likely be detained by a judge.
The implementation of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act aims to address the flaws of the previous system. Advocates argue that cash bail unfairly punished individuals based on their socio-economic status, leading to tens of thousands of people losing their jobs, housing, and even custody of their children because they couldn’t afford to pay bond.
It’s about time we put an end to a system that kept people in jail simply because they were poor, said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She, along with several Illinois lawmakers, will speak at a press conference held at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse to celebrate this significant milestone.
The new system seeks to promote a careful and thorough evaluation of the risks posed by defendants and their likelihood of appearing for their scheduled court dates. It will contribute to a more equitable and just approach to pre-trial release decisions.
Although the elimination of cash bail has been met with resistance from some prosecutors and law enforcement leaders, it is a positive step towards addressing systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system. By removing the financial barrier for those unable to pay bail, the new system seeks to ensure fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Pre-Trial Fairness Act will play a vital role in reducing the unnecessary detention of individuals who are not a danger to society or likely to flee. It marks a significant turning point in Chicago’s commitment to reforming the criminal justice system and promoting equality.
As the implementation of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act begins today, Chicago stands as a pioneer in the pursuit of a fairer and more just society. This historic milestone will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals ensnared by a flawed system that disproportionately affected the poor. With the elimination of cash bail, Chicago has taken a critical step towards creating a more equitable future for all its residents.
