Illinois Supreme Court Paves the Way for Cash Bail Elimination

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of a state law ending cash bail, ordering its implementation in mid-September. Under the new law, judges will not require those charged with a crime to post bail in order to leave jail while they await trial, with exceptions for those considered a threat to the public or likely to flee. The decision aims to ensure that a person's experience with the criminal justice system is not determined by their income level. The ruling overturns a previous decision deeming the law unconstitutional and is set to go into effect statewide in September.