Ending the Cash Bond

Innocent until proven guilty: in the United States, the presumption of innocence is supposed to be a core tenet of the criminal justice system, but a majority of inmates in Illinois jails are there awaiting trial, because they can’t afford to pay their bond. Some lawmakers are calling for an end to cash bond in the state’s jails, saying it disproportionally affects the poor. Last week, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) filed the Pretrial Fairness Act to end money bond. It also proposes other reforms that would require courts to provide pre-trial services, making it easier for people charged with crimes to appear in court. 

The 21st spoke to a member of the Chicago Community Bond Fund and a member of the Champaign County Bailout Coalition to hear more about the calls to end cash bond. 

Guests:

Malik Alim, Chicago Community Bond Fund  

Molly Galloway, Champaign County Bailout Coalition

Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi

Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: