Public Defenseless 46: Fighting Gun Violence Without Using Mass Incarceration in Cook County, IL w/Sharone Mitchell
Today, Hunter spoke with Sharone Mitchell Jr., Chief Public Defender in Cook County about a few extremely timely topics: Guns and Bail Reform.
Born and raised in Chicago, Sharone understands the needs of his community and you can easily see how his experience helps to inform the way he pushes for and speaks about reform in Cook County. At the center of those pushes are tackling the issue of gun violence in the city without feeding America's addiction to mass incarceration. Hunter really enjoyed the nuanced conversation about the ways in which gun violence and possession can be addressed without further harming poor Black and Hispanic communities in the city.
Lastly, Hunter and Sharone took a deep dive on the newest massive criminal justice reform legislation in Illinois, the Pre Trial Fairness Act, what it does, how it helps, and how people are already blaming it for everything before the Act even goes into effect.
Guests:
Sharone Mitchell Jr., Chief Public Defender, Cook County
Key Topics and Takeaways:
From Growing up in Chicago to Being the Chief Defender [5:30]
What People Misunderstand About Those in the Legal System [9:00]
Why Sharone Wanted to Be a Public Defender [11:00]
Differences and Similarities Between Cook County Public Defense and the Rest of the State [16:05]
The Nuance of the Gun Control Debate [24:00]
The Realities of Gun Restrictions in Cook County [29:00]
Why it is So Difficult to Fight the Status Quo on Gun Possession [38:00]
The Details of the Illinois Pre-Trial Fairness Act [46:50]
Resources:
BRIEF OF THE BLACK ATTORNEYS OF LEGAL AID, THE BRONX DEFENDERS, BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES
6th Amendment Center Report on Illinois
Sharone's Piece in the Nation on the impact of Gun Laws
Sharone on First Person podcast
Recent Op-ed pieceby two Cook County Assistant Public Defenders
Recent Block Club Chicago storyon some of the issues
Recent Injustice Watch storyon even more issues with gun possession charges
Here is a basic overview of the Pretrial Fairness Act. The state is ending money bond on Jan. 1, but there are other important reforms.
Follow the Cook County PD Office on Twitter
Follow Sharone on Twitter
Contact Hunter Parnell:
hwparnell@publicdefenseless.com
www.publicdefenseless.com