The right to a speedy trial is a fundamental principle in our criminal justice system. According to the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy ... Read more
In Illinois, crimes are classified according to how serious they are. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, which are broken down into five classifications, from most serious to least: Class X, Class 1, Class 2,... Read more
The Illinois criminal justice system is not equipped to handle inmates with mental health issues. Despite the fact that people struggling with mental illness need treatment, in our society too many of them wind up in jai... Read more
Judges and juries are often swayed by what they think is the scientific reliability of the so-called “forensic sciences” such as analysis of handwriting, fingerprints, hair, bite marks, and blood spatter patt... Read more
DNA genealogy systems are increasingly being used to link perpetrators with a crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) operates a central DNA database for the country, and Illinois is considering joining the e... Read more
Probable cause is a fundamental principle in our criminal justice system. The concept stems from a requirement in the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution that says “no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause... Read more
Illinois and federal law both allow law enforcement agencies to take cash, land, vehicles and other property they suspect may be involved in illegal activity from people charged with crimes, even if they have not been co... Read more
You wouldn’t think that a parking ticket could lead you to bankruptcy, but in Chicago it happens all the time. Each year the city issues more than 3 million tickets for parking, vehicle compliance and automated traffic... Read more
If you think the criminal justice system is biased and broken, you are right in tune with most voters in Illinois. According to a new poll from Southern Illinois University, 73 percent of state voters, both Democrats and... Read more
Ex-prisoners who earn more money are less likely to return to a life of crime. As a result, it is no surprise that recent research by college professors Amanda Y. Agan of Rutgers and Michael D. Makowsky of Clemson shows ... Read more
