Description
Last month, we came together to learn about the impact the SAFE-T Act can have in ending the practice of criminalizing poverty. But what role can we as individuals play in ensuring the law is applied fairly?
Join Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Champaign Urbana at our next general membership meeting for a discussion with Champaign County ACLU president, Carol Leff, about the current status of the Supreme Court case surrounding the SAFE-T Act's pretrial fairness provisions and volunteer opportunities for court-watching.
The pretrial fairness provisions were scheduled to take effect January 1, 2023 but were immediately challenged by prosecutors and sheriffs who claimed that ending cash bail would violate the Illinois Constitution. Carol will speak briefly about this court case and the current climate of the Illinois Supreme Court.
If we are successful in upholding the SAFE-T Act, it will be important to ensure that the pretrial fairness provisions are equitably applied. We will need to counter disinformation and scaremongering from opponents of criminal justice reform. Dr. Leff will share opportunities for court watching and other ways to get involved.
Light refreshments will be served.