Illinois Supreme Court blocks cashless bail from becoming law statewide

On Saturday afternoon, the Illinois Supreme Court put the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act on hold for the entire state. 

It was supposed to go into effect on Jan. 1 and eliminate cash bail for many serious crimes. 

The state Supreme Court ruled that the measure would unfairly take discretion on bail out of the hands of local judges. 

Earlier on Wednesday, a Kankakee County Circuit Court Judge had ruled parts of the controversial law violates Illinois’ state constitution.

That decision meant the law would not go into effect in 65 counties that were part of a November lawsuit against the state, including Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Union, Saline, Franklin, Jefferson, Jackson, Perry and Randolph. Later, Williamson County was granted its own temporary restraining order.

The Supreme Court has not set a date to hear appeals in the case, so it is unclear when or if the measure will be enacted. 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul also responded, saying in part, "We look forward to mounting a robust defense of the constitutionality of the law ... and ensuring that it goes into effect across the state." 

Critics of the current bail system say it unfairly punishes the poor. 




(AP Photo)