Pursuit of Justice: Statement on the Pretrial Fairness Act

Community Renewal Society, along with a host of coalition and congregational partners, worked diligently to pass the Pretrial Fairness Act, which helps to address, in part, the extensive racial disparities in the prison industrial complex. Illinois Supreme Court’s 5-2 ruling on July 18 upholding the pretrial detainment acknowledges those disparities. Further, the ruling draws us closer to ongoing needs for equity and reform. 

Judges will still have oversight to determine if there is a perceived imminent threat and danger to society, affirming the rights of plaintiffs. The Pretrial Fairness Act ensures a defendant’s rights are also affirmed without bias due to economic status, which reduces the harmful consequences of inadequate bail access. This will allow defendants to maintain the presumption of innocence and advocate on their behalf in criminal trials as opposed to accepting a plea. The Act sets a national framework for equity, justice and accountability in the aftermath of innumerable crimes against humanity, including the murders of Adam Toledo, Laquan McDonald, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. 

We are pleased the Pretrial Fairness Act will become effective on September 18, 2023. The dedication of organizers, communities directly impacted and public officials undergirds this landmark ruling which maintains that fairness and equity must be equally measured with the pursuit of justice. 

Together, We Win!

Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton
Executive Director

P.S. Read our blog article to learn how CRS worked with the Coalition to End Money Bond and the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice to protect the Pretrial Fairness Act.