Pretrial Fairness Act Implementation
Find articles recapping how the end of money bail began in courtrooms across communities, moving us toward racial, economic and social justice.
Bending the Arc
While we have won by ending cash bail, this is the first leg of the race in dismantling practices and systems that criminalize being poor. Remaining vigilant is critical to secure full victory: Beloved Community.
Accountability in Action
CRS believes that the significance of accountability cannot be overstated. As people of faith advocating for racial, economic and social justice, it is critical that we always hold our leaders accountable.
Community Organizations Call On IL’s State’s Attorney to Cease All Attempts to Undermine the PFA
On September 13, nearly one hundred organizations sent an open letter to the Illinois State’s Attorney Association urging them to align with the collective statewide effort to faithfully implement the Pretrial Fairness Act.
Ensuring Successful Implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act
CRS continues our work with our coalition partners, member congregations, community members and volunteers to ensure the successful implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act. Read this blog article to learn about the many ways you can get involved in the implementation.
Take Action to Support the Pretrial Fairness Act
Once implemented on September 18, 2023, the Pretrial Fairness Act will end money bond. Read this blog article to learn ways you can get involved in making the justice system safer and more equitable.
Build Black Communities Through Group Economics
The concept of group economics is a rarely discussed but widely used concept that has been adopted by numerous communities, whether it is farms, stores or even places of employment.
Support the Implementation of The Pretrial Fairness Act!
To ensure successful implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act on September 18, 2023, sign a petition thanking your legislators, register for community court watching and sign up to canvass and friendbank with the Coalition to End Money Bond.
Importance of Remembrance
CRS Communications Intern Katie Masano Hill reflects on the importance of remembrance.
Pursuit of Justice: Statement on the Pretrial Fairness Act
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled the Pretrial Fairness Act constitutional, eliminating the use of cash bail and making the pretrial justice system fairer. Read our statement.
Resources for Dealing with Extreme Weather
To support Chicagoans impacted by recent flooding and tornadoes, CRS released a list of extreme weather resources from local, state and federal agencies. Read this blog article to access the resources.
Japanese Americans Join the Fight for Reparations
CRS Communications Intern Katie Masano Hill shares about Japanese American support for African American reparations.
Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Pretrial Fairness Act Lawsuit
Today, the Illinois Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by Illinois State’s Attorneys challenging the constitutionality of the Pretrial Fairness Act, a law passed by the Illinois legislature to end the state’s use of money bond.
Amicus Supporting The Pretrial Fairness Act Filed With Illinois Supreme Court
The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice and more than 400 signers, represented by the law firm Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. and the ACLU of Illinois, filed an amicus brief supporting the Pretrial Fairness Act.
Faith Community Rallies for Reparations in Evanston
On January 15, 2023, a diverse mix of congregations gathered at the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Evanston for an interfaith service to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This MLK service was more than a celebration of a civil rights leader. It marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights and reparations.
Pretrial Fairness Act Delayed by Illinois Supreme Court
The Pretrial Fairness Act, a provision of the SAFE-T Act that would eliminate the use of cash bail in Illinois, was halted by an Illinois Supreme Court decision on December 31, 2022.
Bad Ruling In Kankakee Won't Stop The Pretrial Fairness Act
To clarify the status of the SAFE-T Act, the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice drafted a letter explaining next steps in the legislation’s implementation. Read the letter here.
Cook County Leaders Stand Firm in Their Commitment to Ending Money Bond
Here is a letter of support for the implementation of the SAFE-T Act on January 1, 2023 from the Cook County Public Defenders Office signed by Kim Foxx and Toni Preckwinckle.
SAFE-T Act Amendment Summary
We are pleased to share this summary of recently enacted amendments to Illinois’ Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act (SAFE-T Act) from the Safer Foundation.
We Protected the Pretrial Fairness Act!
During the last day of the recent veto sessions, Springfield legislators finally approved changes to the Pretrial Fairness Act that were intensely debated by lawmakers in order relieve the public’s concerns of this controversial bill. Learn about the amendment and ways to advance the Pretrial Fairness Act here.