The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled in favor of eliminating the state’s cash bail system, ending bail as a condition of pretrial release.
In a 5-2 ruling Tuesday, the state’s highest court overturned a ruling from an Illinois judge last December that a new state law to end cash bail was deemed unconstitutional.
“Someone’s experience with the criminal justice system should not vary based on their income level,” state Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “The law ensures that the decision about whether people are detained pending trial is not based on whether they can afford to pay for their release.”
Under the new law, judges across Illinois will not require those charged with a crime to post bail in order to leave jail while they await trial. However, those who are considered to be a threat to the public or are likely to flee will be required to stay in jail.
Read full article: Illinois Supreme Court rules in favor of ending the state’s cash bail system
