Why Illinois wants to end cash bail

This month, the Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case examining the Safe-T Act. The legislation would bring sweeping reform to the state’s criminal justice system, but one policy in particular has caught the eye and the ire of prosecutors: the elimination of cash bail. Proponents say ending cash bail bonds will get rid of inequities that favor the rich; opponents say it will lead to a rise in crime. What does the fight over cash bail in Illinois tell us about criminal justice in America?

References: Season 4 of WBEZ’s Motive podcast Safe-T Act and cash bail goes before Illinois Supreme Court | WBEZ Chicago The Chicago Community Bond Fund I Was Locked Away from My Children for 14 Months Because I Couldn't Make Bail The Lifeline and 988

Guests: Lavette Mayes Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) Insha Rahman

Credits: Jonquilyn Hill, host Sofi LaLonde, producer Cristian Ayala, engineer A.M. Hall, editorial director of talk podcasts

Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a donation to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices