criminal justice Archives - Chronicle Media

Pritzker signs criminal justice reforms into law

— July 16, 2021

SPRINGFIELD – Terrill Swift spent 15 years in prison, convicted of a rape and murder which DNA evidence later proved he did not commit. On Thursday, July 15, he appeared alongside…

Illinois lawmakers pass follow-up criminal justice legislation
— June 3, 2021

SPRINGFIELD – The General Assembly this week passed legislation addressing lingering concerns from law enforcement about a massive criminal justice reform omnibus passed earlier this…
How the Black Caucus passed criminal justice reform
— January 21, 2021

Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing “Lame Duck Look Back” series in which Capitol News Illinois is following up on the major bills that passed both chambers of the…
Lawmakers eye limits on qualified immunity for law enforcement
— November 9, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — State legislators are considering eliminating or limiting aspects of qualified immunity for law enforcement. Qualified immunity isn’t an explicit federal statute or…
Suburban Muslims, others show solidarity with Blacks
— June 22, 2020

Although a Christian minister, Vincent Gaddis showed up Saturday night (June 20) outside the Islamic Center of Wheaton for a showing of solidarity wearing a jellabiya. First joking…

Agency seeks more funding for criminal justice initiatives
— April 1, 2021

SPRINGFIELD – A state agency related to criminal justice on Wednesday, March 31 requested a funding increase to implement new policies and programs meant to improve racial equity…
Lawmakers, AG seek tougher police decertification standards
— November 12, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers, in tandem with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, are looking to bolster the state’s system of certifying and decertifying law enforcement professionals….
State expands pro bono program addressing backlog of appeals
— November 2, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court is expanding a program that allows attorneys to volunteer on criminal appeals cases currently making up an extensive backlog. The Volunteer…