Illinois has become the first state to completely abolish the cash bail system, marking a significant win for criminal justice advocates. This means that defendants will no longer be detained in jail solely due to their inability to pay. The move aims to address the issues of inequality and the disproportionate impact on lower-income individuals in the current bail system. Advocates believe this step will provide fairer treatment for defendants and emphasize the need for evidence-based risk assessments in determining pretrial release. The decision in Illinois could have broader implications for the reform of the cash bail system across the United States.
Source: The Root [ Read More ]
