As part of the Court Transparency Coalition, Common Cause, the Better Government and BUILD’s Peace and Justice Center present a community forum to explore how Illinois Courts impact the lives of everyday people – especially in communities most impacted by the carceral system – and why it is time that the courts be held the same transparency and accountability standards as all other branches of government.

More broadly, FOIA helps promote a culture of continual quality improvement and reform for which advocates and taxpayers are entitled to expect. How can the courts, legislators, the public or activists advocate for meaningful improvements or investments without access to essential data? Especially considering the enactment of the SAFE-T Act, meaningful access to court data would help ensure that critical justice policy debates in the public square or the legislature are informed and guided by facts, not political rhetoric at the expense of people’s lives. And finally, as Illinois’ judicial branch oversees our Juvenile Detention Centers, it is imperative that the public have access to information to ensure our most vulnerable children as safe.

Lunch will be provided.