Daniel Epstein

Daniel Epstein, a Democratic candidate for the Illinois Supreme Court, demonstrates a liberal policy leaning on economic issues, primarily through the lens of criminal justice reform and social equity. He advocates for eliminating unaffordable cash bail to address "wealth bias" and reduce mass incarceration, which would alleviate economic burdens on low-income individuals. Furthermore, he proposes prohibiting courts from spending funds contingent on convictions, aiming to remove perverse financial incentives within the justice system. His platform is explicitly "anti-classist" and seeks to expand access to justice for working people, reflecting a belief in systemic reforms to reduce economic inequality and promote social welfare.
Source: Daniel Epstein: Illinois Supreme Court Democratic Primary Candidate - Chicago Sun-Times

Judge Daniel Epstein of Illinois demonstrates a very liberal policy leaning on foreign relations, particularly concerning the rights and treatment of foreign nationals within the state. His campaign platform is explicitly "anti-xenophobic" and advocates for expanding access to justice for undocumented individuals through measures like enabling remote court appearances. This approach aims to ensure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, can utilize the state's civil courts without fear, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and promoting social equity, which aligns with a liberal internationalist perspective on human rights and inclusion.
Source: Daniel Epstein: Illinois Supreme Court Democratic Primary Candidate - Chicago Sun-Times

Judge Daniel Epstein of Illinois demonstrates a very liberal policy leaning on government dependency, primarily by advocating for systemic reforms aimed at reducing economic burdens and expanding access to justice for vulnerable populations. His platform includes eliminating unaffordable cash bail to prevent mass incarceration, which often leads to job loss and increased reliance on public assistance. He also supports enabling remote court appearances to ensure working people, the disabled, and undocumented individuals can access justice without incurring significant economic hardship. Furthermore, his past advocacy for childcare subsidies and tax credits for families, regardless of wealth, underscores a commitment to policies that empower individuals and reduce their need for extensive government support by addressing root causes of financial instability.
Source: About Daniel Epstein, Illinois Supreme Court Candidate

Judge Daniel Epstein of Illinois demonstrates a very liberal policy leaning on immigration, advocating for the creation of "sanctuary courts." His proposal aims to enable undocumented individuals to access state civil courts to sue for issues like wage theft or abuse without fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence. Epstein suggests allowing remote court appearances via phone or webcam to facilitate this. He emphasizes that undocumented people possess legal rights, including the right to earned wages and protection from abuse, and his policy seeks to establish the necessary infrastructure to make these rights actionable, reflecting a strong commitment to expanding legal protections for all residents regardless of immigration status.
Source: Daniel Epstein (J.D. ‘15) Makes Progressive Case for IL. Supreme Court Seat – Chicago Maroon

Judge Daniel Epstein of Illinois, a Democratic candidate for the Illinois Supreme Court, demonstrates a nuanced, somewhat liberal leaning on reducing the budget deficit, specifically within the judicial system. He proposes reforms that aim to cut costs, such as eliminating unaffordable cash bail to reduce mass incarceration, and generate revenue, like enabling remote court appearances. While these measures contribute to fiscal efficiency, their primary motivation is to address "wealth bias" and expand access to justice. Epstein also indicates a willingness to request additional funding if essential for the proper administration of justice, balancing fiscal prudence with the needs of the court system.
Source: Daniel Epstein: Illinois Supreme Court Democratic Primary Candidate - Chicago Sun-Times