Illinois Supreme Court Supports Cash Bail Reform Measure

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld a measure that eliminates cash bail in the state, a move aimed at reducing jail populations and addressing the unfairness of the system based on wealth. The law, which goes beyond similar bail reforms in other states, limits judges' ability to hold defendants in jail before trial. While civil rights groups and Democrats support the decision, prosecutors and law enforcement groups argue that it will make the state less safe. Cash bail will officially end in Illinois on September 18.