Judge hears multiple Illinois prosecutors’ case against SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail

KANKAKEE, Ailing. (CBS) — Money bail was on the docket Tuesday in a courtroom in Kankakee.

As CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reported, Tuesday was the primary day in a trial of a number of lawsuits towards the controversial SAFE-T Act – which was a significant speaking level within the midterm election in Illinois and is now being challenged in courtroom.

Opponents say the SAFE-T Act is unconstitutional.

Simply weeks in the past, Illinois state lawmakers handed a revised SAFE-T Act – after months of criticism and considerations over its elimination of money bond. However the revision was not sufficient to immediate 64 state’s attorneys throughout the state to drop their lawsuits difficult it.

“It isn’t that the state’s lawyer’s workplaces are all opposed to each portion of the SAFE-T Act,” mentioned Kendall County State’s Lawyer Eric Weiss. “Once more, do it the proper means.”

Kankakee County State’s Lawyer Jim Rowe spoke earlier than a choose for all 64 state’s attorneys now suing within the consolidated case.

Rowe argued that the act is unconstitutional for a number of causes. He argued first, it is obscure; second, it violates crime victims’ rights; third, as a result of its passage violated legislative guidelines and procedures; and fourth, as a result of it infringes on the courtroom’s energy.

“I feel every considered one of these arguments – and people arguments are proper on,” mentioned DeKalb County State’s Lawyer Rick Amato.

However the lawyer for the State of Illinois instructed twenty first Judicial Circuit Chief Choose Tom Cunnington the state’s attorneys’ arguments are an overreach. The lawyer for Illinois mentioned there are numerous precedents that low cost the plaintiffs’ arguments, and he additionally argued that the legislation would solely be unconstitutional if it unduly infringes upon judicial energy.

The lawyer defending Illinois didn’t remark outdoors of courtroom, in contrast to among the state’s attorneys.

“I felt the listening to went effectively at the moment, and I feel the choose took every part in and – we’ll simply look ahead to his resolution,” mentioned Will County State’s Lawyer James Glasgow.

Choose Cunnington will now think about all the knowledge earlier than him – together with the factors made within the 90 or so minutes of arguments Tuesday. He expects to have a choice by Wednesday, Dec. 28 – and he calls it a monumental activity.