Illinois has made history by becoming the first state in the United States to abolish cash bail, a decision that has garnered significant criticism. The state’s Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of a law known as the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act, effectively putting an end to the practice.
Under this new law, individuals accused of certain felonies and violent misdemeanors can still be held in detention before their trial. However, the burden of proof now falls on the state to demonstrate that the defendant poses a flight risk or a threat to the community. Cash bail, which has been widely condemned as a system that penalizes poverty, is being phased out to prevent preferential treatment for wealthier individuals who can afford to secure their release.
Despite concerns about rising crime rates and the potential for accused individuals to commit additional offenses while awaiting trial, the Illinois Supreme Court allowed the elimination of cash bail to proceed. This decision was based on the law passed in 2022, which was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The law’s impact is far-reaching, as it will result in the release of numerous suspects facing charges of second-degree murder, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and other violent crimes.
Several local law enforcement agencies had previously filed a lawsuit in an attempt to halt the law’s implementation, leading to a judge initially deeming it unconstitutional. However, this decision was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court. It is worth noting that violent crime has been on the rise in Illinois, adding to concerns about the new law’s consequences.
In a social media post, Charlie Kirk, the Founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, expressed his concerns about the elimination of cash bail in Illinois, predicting that it may lead to an increase in criminal activity and hinder law enforcement efforts to address it.
{Matzav.com}
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