Latest News
Eliminating Money Bond is an Evidence-Based, Common Sense Approach to Combat Mass Incarceration
This morning, the Chicago Tribune published an attack on bail reform in Cook County. Today’s article attacked two respected organizations, the Chicago Community Bond Fund and The Bail Project, a national bond fund. As leaders [...]
Victory in Federal Court: Sheriff Tom Dart Ordered to Improve COVID-19 Protections in Cook County Jail
This morning, Federal Judge Matthew Kennelly issued a court order that extends federal court oversight of the Cook County Jail, requiring Sheriff Tom Dart to make desperately needed changes to the conditions inside and decrease [...]
Calling on IL Attorney General & Cook County Court to Protect Consumers Against CARES Act Garnishments
The Collaboration for Justice—Chicago Appleseed and the Chicago Council of Lawyers—works to promote equity and full access to justice for all in our courts and regulatory systems. We promote reforms that recognize the intersection of [...]
Cook County Jail’s First COVID-19 Death Could (and Should) Have Been Prevented
Jeffrey Pendleton is the first person known to have died after contracting COVID-19 in the Cook County Jail. His infection and eventual death were avoidable and preventable. Each and every government actor who objected to [...]
Cook County Officials Bear Most Direct Duty of Care to Those in Custody during COVID-19 Pandemic
By Sarah Staudt, Senior Policy Analyst & Staff Attorney for the Collaboration for Justice of Chicago Council of Lawyers and Chicago Appleseed Cook County Jail must immediately, and drastically, reduce its jail population. Over two [...]
Open Letter to the Illinois Supreme Court: Immediate Action Needed to Ensure Public Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court: A key role of the Illinois Supreme Court is to issue orders and promulgate rules that make the local courts fairer, more effective, and efficient. At this time [...]
Statement from Advocates to Chief Judge Evans: Need For Immediate Additional Action by Cook County Courts to Ensure Public Safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Chief Judge Evans, The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented threat to public safety. The criminal courts, in particular, have a critically important responsibility in permitting people under their jurisdiction to follow CDC recommendations to [...]
Pretrial Fairness Act – Beyond Ending Money Bond
Sarah Staudt is the Senior Policy Analyst & Staff Attorney for the Chicago Appleseed and Chicago Council of Lawyers Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC) and is a key team member working on the policy initiatives of the Coalition to End Money Bond.
Current System for Investigating Sexual Misconduct Complaints Against CPD Officers Welcomes Bias
Chicago City Council Should Authorize COPA to Investigate Complaints of Sexual Misconduct Against Chicago Police Officers A letter of recommendation from the Civil Liberties & Police Accountability Committee of the Chicago Council of Lawyers and Chicago Appleseed, written [...]
Ending Code of Silence Policies in the Chicago Police Department’s Collective Bargaining Agreements
The Coalition for Police Contracts Accountability (CPCA) offers recommendations to end the provisions in Chicago Police Department's Collective Bargaining Agreements that perpetuate the "Code of Silence" According to the Better Government Association (BGA), it was [...]
