Previous studies have shown that there are structural limitations present that prevent prosecutors from impacting the carceral system and lowering sentencing rates. It is known that mass incarceration is present in both the United States and also in Illinois. However, little is known about the politics surrounding progressive prosecutors in Cook County in their quest for harm reduction, along with the impact that geography has on those politics. This research looks to examine the potential benefits that progressive prosecutors can provide, along with recognizing their limitations.

This study analyzes a sentencing dataset provided by Cook County to determine how the presence of progressive prosecutors, under the leadership of Kim Foxx, has impacted sentencing rates. In addition, prosecutors, public defenders, and academics in Cook County were interviewed to understand the political factors surrounding progressive prosecutors. These interviews revealed the context behind the changes in sentencing rates in Cook County, along with discussing how the geography of Cook County impacts the politics of progressive prosecutors and their relationship with other legal actors.

The limitations found in the survivability of progressive prosecutors’ reforms were utilized to create the recommendations provided at the end of this paper. The recommendations include recognizing that progressive prosecutors are merely one actor within the legal system, so addressing reforms in other areas, such as changing laws, should also be prioritized. This paper also recommends that the state’s attorney provides clear communication to the public and other prosecutors regarding reforms and their goals. This paper ends inquiring for further research into other societal changes, such as abolition or social programs, that should occur alongside or in place of progressive prosecutors’ reforms.