In Feb. 22, 2021, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law HB 3653. Among the many provisions contained within HB 3653 (now Public Act 101-0652) is the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA), a massive overhaul of Illinois’ cash bail system. The PFA makes Illinois the first state to eliminate monetary bail, creating a system in which defendants will be released or detained pending trial based on their risk of nonappearance and/or their perceived dangerousness. If the individual does not fit a certain set of predetermined criteria, they must be released. In his June Illinois Bar Journal article, “Illinois, Out on Bail,” Thomas A. Drysdale compares Illinois’ new law to the federal criminal system, which has operated without cash bail for more than 35 years.

Do you ever feel that your words come across as week, passive, or wishy-washy? Conversely, do your words sound pushy, abrasive, or arrogant? Between these two extremes lies a powerful way of communicating that combines confidence, strength, and authenticity and allows you to stand out. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Andie Kramer and Al Harris, co-authors of two award-winning books that are designed to teach you how to communicate effectively. Learn how to identify and eliminate the words and phrases that decrease your authority and self-assurance – and discover what to say instead.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the ISBA's 8th Annual Member Appreciation Month contests.

A new project will make early Illinois Supreme Court case files more accessible to the public.  The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) has awarded the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission a $135,000 grant to support the digitization of nearly 3,700 case files from 1818 to 1865—the beginning of Illinois statehood through the Civil War. The Commission expects the work to take two years.