articles by topic

This index includes every article in First Reading since its inception in 1986, organized by subject matter.  Issues of First Reading from June 2000 to the present are available for download and linked.  Contact the Research Unit for availability of articles from older issues.  Abstracts of reports required to be filed with the General Assembly, which are included in each issue, are not included in this index.

criminal law and prisons

Addressing Aging Prisoner Populations: Connecticut and California-May 2018, p. 10

California and L.A. Fight Gangs-Oct 88, p. 15

California Bills Would Ban “Assault” Weapons-Apr 89, p. 5

Concealed Carry Laws Vary Widely-Mar 2013, p. 1

Cook County Program Eases Jail Crowding-Jun 90, p. 12

Crime and Punishments-Dec 87, p. 11

Delinquency Sanctions Differ in Cook County, Downstate-May 95, p. 9

Drug Forfeitures are Hard to Track-Jun 92, p. 16

Gun Control Issue Rises Again-Apr 89, p. 1

Indeterminate and Determinate Sentencing Compared-Mar 96, p. 16

Juvenile Murderers Vex Policymakers-Mar 96, p. 1

Laws Require HIV Testing of Sex Offenders-Mar 91, p. 1

Many States Adopt Erin's Law to Fight Sexual Abuse-Mar 2020, p. 1

National Prison Population Reflects Aging Trends-Apr 2008, p. 1

Prison Population Surges-Mar 90, p. 1

Private Prisons Spring Up in Several States-Mar 96, p. 7

Search for Prison Alternatives Intensifies-May 90, p. 1

Separating Juveniles and Adults in Jails-Mar 96, p. 1

Some States Attack Spoofing on Social Media Sites-Mar 2011, p. 1

State Laws on Buying, Possessing, and Using Tasers-Mar 2005, p. 1

State Programs for Older, Ill, or Long-Term Prisoners-Apr 2008, p. 13

State's Prison Problems are Typical-Mar 89, p. 1

States Act Against Stalkers-Jun 92, p. 1

States, Federal Government Address Child Sex Trafficking-Jun 2017, p. 1

Summary of Illinois Domestic Violence Laws-Nov 95, p. 1

Summary of Laws and Constitutional Provisions Affecting Older Prisoners-Apr 2008, p. 5

Truth-In-Sentencing Laws Gain Popularity-Jul 94, p. 1

Why There Are More Prisoners-Mar 89, p. 14