In preparation for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) scheduled in Chicago from August 19-22, the Circuit Court of Cook County, prompted by requests from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the City of Chicago, has expanded its court capacity to address the possibility of numerous arrests during the event.
Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans announced that additional, temporary court facilities have been established and many judges have cleared their dockets of non-essential cases to prioritize criminal matters.
Chief Judge Evans emphasized the comprehensive preparation involving over 50 representatives from local, state, and federal agencies aimed at ensuring law enforcement can focus on security while upholding the rights of the arrested individuals.
The majority of cases will continue to be handled in the Pretrial and Criminal Divisions. However, the court has also reactivated its former West Belmont Avenue facility to hold hearings if needed, operating from 8:00 a.m. to midnight with fifty-seven judges trained in the Pretrial Fairness Act available to oversee proceedings there or at the primary Leighton Criminal Courthouse on S. California Avenue from August 11-31.
The “Coalition to March on the DNC,” consisting of approximately 200 anti-Israel organizations, are set to begin protests on Monday. The group successfully obtained a permit to protest after city officials reversed an earlier decision that prohibited sound systems and portable toilets.
Additionally, a pro-Israel group intends to hold demonstrations alongside the pro-Palestinian groups. Initially, the city of Chicago denied this group a permit, citing potential “interference,” but subsequently reversed its decision, granting them limited time at the speaker’s platform.
Read: Turkey Threatens Military Action Against Israel To Protect Palestinians Amid Escalating Tensions
Should there be an overflow of cases, additional detainees will be processed at other CPD locations, and their hearings will take place at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. The court has also decided to excuse law enforcement officers subpoenaed for court from August 12-30, except in urgent cases.
During this period, jurors will be placed on standby status, and the scheduling of both grand and special grand juries will be at the discretion of the Criminal Division’s presiding judge. Jury trials at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse set between August 12 and 30 may be moved to the Third Municipal District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows if rescheduling is not feasible.
Furthermore, staff at courthouses close to the DNC venue will work remotely from August 19-23, with Children’s Rooms at these locations closed and limited remote access assistance provided.
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