A ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court this week opened a path for courts to eliminate the use of cash bail as a condition for release before trial. The decision gives courts two months to prepare for the shift to end cash bail in mid-September. Chief Circuit Court Judge Andrew Gleeson says the time frame is akin to “turning the Titanic,” but he’s also hopeful the change may lead to greater equity in the courts. Community organizer Marie Franklin feels the justice system is “finally moving in a direction that we should be moving in.” Alexa Van Brunt, director of the MacArthur Justice Center’s Illinois office, also joins the discussion to share the challenges this new law may bring, as well as the potential positive effects for public safety and community well being.
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