"Landmark Decision: Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Cash Bail Ban"

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld a state law ending cash bail, overturning a previous ruling that deemed it unconstitutional. The end to cash bail will go into effect statewide on September 18. The court's decision was praised by advocates who argue that the current cash bail system disproportionately affects poor defendants. However, critics, including law enforcement officials, argue that the elimination of cash bail will put dangerous criminals back on the streets. The ruling allows judges to detain defendants if they pose a threat to the public, are a flight risk, or are charged with serious felonies. Other provisions of the criminal justice reform law, known as the SAFE-T Act, including body camera requirements and police training mandates, went into effect on January 1.