Latest News - Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts

Emanuel’s Push To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession and Downgrade Possession of Other Substances Is Great For Diverting Drug Addicts, Saving Taxpayer Resources

On Tuesday, September 23rd, Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans to call on state lawmakers to decriminalize marijuana possession statewide and to reduce the penalty to a misdemeanor for those caught with 1 gram or less of any controlled substance. "It is time to put our sentencing policies in line with our v...

RSVP to our Annual Luncheon

Our annual luncheon is October 1 at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 111 West Grand Avenue in Chicago. The reception begins at 11:30 with the lunch program running from 12:00 to 1:30. You can purchase tickets via email. Benefactor: $500.00 per seat (10 seats per table) Contributor: $250.00 per seat (10...

Forum on Chicago Police Accountability

Forum on Chicago Police Accountability Tuesday September 30, 2014 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by The Chicago Council of Lawyers and The American Constitution Society Speakers: Scott Ando, Chief Administrator, Chicago Independent Police Review Authority Jamie Kalven, Reporter and Pl...

The Coming Fees Crisis: Poverty Capitalism in the Courts

This past week, two important pieces have appeared on NPR and the New York Times bringing attention to the increased practice of levying exploitive fines and fees on indigent people passing through the criminal and civil justice system. The first piece from NPR, based on a report of a S...

Guest Blog: Review of ‘The Interrupters’

by Jonathan Leithold-Patt, film critic There is too much violence in Chicago. It is a fact impossible to ignore. Turning on the nightly news or opening up the newspaper is a guaranteed reminder of the senseless deaths that could have, and should have, been prevented. Although there are less homicid...