Downstate prosecutor hopes to stir debate on gun laws
SPRINGFIELD — Legal experts say the McLean County state’s attorney is within his rights not to prosecute violations of Illinois gun laws that he considers unconstitutional.
Author and American University law professor Angela Davis said Wednesday that prosecutors have “absolute discretion” to decide whether to pursue charges. She says what’s unusual is that McLean County State’s Attorney Ronald Dozier is making a public announcement.
Dozier says he thinks the state law barring people from carrying concealed guns is unconstitutional. He hopes his policy against prosecuting harmless violations will send a message to Illinois lawmakers.
Cook County prosecutor Anita Alvarez, president of the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association, says Dozier is entitled to his opinion about the law but she will continue to fully enforce the law.