CHICAGO, IL. The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is disappointed with the reporting by WBEZ. The article, “Cook County has been giving felony records to people who should not have them” perpetuates misinformation and oversimplification of a complex matter which affects the participants in the judicial system.
The Clerk’s office is not at the root of this problem but is a part of the solution. The Clerk’s office does not have the authority to unilaterally analyze or change Judicial Orders.
The Clerk’s office met with members of the Office of the Chief Judge, the Public Defender’s Office and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to address the issue. On May 9, 2023, the Office of the Chief Judge provided guidance on how the Judicial Orders should be effectuated. The Clerk’s office was prepared and began to execute that order immediately.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County serves the public in an efficient, effective and ethical manner. To that end, this office makes itself available to the press. The public relies on the news media for fair and accurate reporting. We expect better from the WBEZ news team moving forward.