Jurors need clarity when considering fates of mentally ill defendants
An editorial argues that Illinois should clarify its guilty but mentally ill verdict for jurors, noting that current laws lack the transparency provided in other states.
The mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy case highlights a truth Illinois should confront. Clancy’s Massachusetts jurors understood that a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity would not mean freedom; it would mean commitment to a psychiatric hospital, with any release subject to continuing judicial review.Illinois does not provide jurors with comparable candor regarding its guilty but mentally ill verdict. The label sounds like a humane compromise — guilt accompanied by guaranteed treatment.…
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The Illinois Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether disciplinary cases for Chicago police officers accused of serious misconduct should remain open to the public. The legal dispute between the city and the police union has stalled the oversight system. Currently, over two dozen officers have cases pending a final ruling on the matter.
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