Sangamon Sun

Illinois appellate courts are facing significant challenges following the implementation of the SAFE-T Act, with Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis highlighting the strain on the system. Chief Justice Theis expressed concern, stating, "The idea of letting criminals walk free has made a negative impact on our court systems which is one factor pointing to how this law is flawed."

The SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail for most crimes, was initially praised for addressing inequalities in the justice system. However, the unintended consequences are now becoming apparent as courts are inundated with an influx of criminal cases, including many repeat offenders.

According to Chief Justice Theis, the number of appeals of bail orders skyrocketed following the passage of the SAFE-T Act. She noted that between 2014 and 2023, there were 171 appeals, but just five months after the law was enacted, that number surged to 2,003. This surge in cases has put a strain on the appellate courts, highlighting the inadequacies of the system to cope with the new law's requirements.

In response to the challenges posed by the SAFE-T Act, the Supreme Court has established a task force to address the situation. The task force has proposed measures such as expanding office space, hiring more judges, and increasing staff. However, these solutions come at a significant cost, estimated at around $570 million.

As the financial burden on county budgets continues to grow, concerns are mounting over the long-term sustainability of the justice system under the SAFE-T Act. The need for additional resources and support for the courts is becoming increasingly evident as they grapple with the repercussions of the legislation.

In the midst of these challenges, there is a growing call to reassess the impact of the SAFE-T Act on the criminal justice system and explore potential reforms to address the strains it has placed on the courts and county budgets.