News & Events

CHICAGO — The Cook County Public Defender wants to undo a court decision that allows holding preteens in custody.

The case involves a 12-year-old boy who was arrested last year for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery.

Calling “backward” the United States treatment of juveniles, Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli said she plans to ask the Illinois Supreme Court to reverse an Illinois Appellate Court decision last week that permits holding pre-teenagers in

A state appeals court has ruled against a Cook County ordinance banning the jailing of children under 13, writing in a new opinion that the county board does not have the authority to bar commitment to the juvenile jail when a judge has determined it is necessary.

CHICAGO – More than a century after the world's first juvenile court was established in Illinois, advocates are still fighting to ensure that children accused of crimes aren't treated the same as adults.

Mike Morrissey, Deputy of City Wide Operations,for the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender announces his retirement. Mike has served the office for over 40 years. He has been an inspiring and dedicated advocate for the clients of this office, as well as a leader and mentor to 100's of Assistant Public Defenders.

Monday, April 15th, 2019 thru Friday, April 19th, 2019 is Amnesty Week at the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Amy Campanelli appeared on the Munir Muhammad show. Click to watch the interview.