Decades of politically-motivated policies aimed at being “tough” on crime have produced no results in combatting crime and filled our prisons and jails with persons who pose little risk to our society. The ACLU of Illinois stands ready to works with elected officials and representatives in the criminal justice system who are committed to bringing real reform to this system. The ACLU of Illinois believes that re-focusing the system away from punishment and revenge to focus on rehabilitation and reconnecting persons who are incarcerated to the communities they are rejoining. These policies will help heal communities and reduce recidivism.   

READ OUR REPORT - BROKEN: THE ILLINOIS CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND HOW TO REBUILD IT