Illinois No. 1 in bail reform

 Illinois No. 1 in bail reform

Thanks to a 5-2 Illinois Supreme Court ruling, the Pretrial Fairness Act goes into effect this September.

It makes Illinois the first state to eliminate cash bail. Depending on the severity of the offense arrested for, defendants will walk free pending trial without paying a dime, or sit in the clink awaiting trial to protect the public.

Cash bail does not protect the public. If a serious threat gets arrested but comes up with the do-re-me, he walks. If an innocent or non-dangerous dude gets arrested but out of pocket, he’s out of circulation. That often results in loss of job and loss of parenting, both of which needlessly degrade life due to a cruel system that hurts rather than helps society.

How many crimes are committed just so the arrestee can make bail? How many crimes are committed because the arrestee lost his job and declines into criminality? Why should society squander incarceration costs to fund a debtors’ jail?

Kudos to J.B, one of America’s most decent, compassionate governors, and to his wise Democratic legislature for making Illinois among the best, if not the best, state to call home.

Banning books……no

Abortion access….yes

Compassionate outreach to LGBTQ community…..yes

End to pernicious cash bail…..yes, yes, yes.