Illinois § 3
Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 3, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3.
Definitions. Whenever used in this Act, and for the purposes of this Act unless the context clearly denotes otherwise: (a) The term "criminal justice system" includes all activities by public agencies pertaining to the prevention or reduction of crime or enforcement of the criminal law, and particularly, but without limitation, the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime; the apprehension of offenders; the protection of victims and witnesses; the administration of juvenile justice; the prosecution and defense of criminal cases; the trial, conviction, and sentencing of offenders; as well as the correction and rehabilitation of offenders, which includes imprisonment, probation, parole, aftercare release, and treatment. (b) The term "Authority" means the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority created by this Act. (c) The term "criminal justice information" means any and every type of information that is collected, transmitted, or maintained by the criminal justice system. (d) The term "criminal history record information" means data identifiable to an individual, including information collected under Section 4.5 of the Criminal Identification Act, and consisting of descriptions or notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, informations, pre-trial proceedings, trials, or other formal events in the criminal justice system or descriptions or notations of criminal charges (including criminal violations of local municipal ordinances) and the nature of any disposition arising therefrom, including sentencing, court or correctional supervision, rehabilitation, and release. The term does not apply to statistical records and reports in which individuals are not identified and from which their identities are not ascertainable, or to information that is for criminal investigative or intelligence purposes. (e) The term "unit of general local government" means any county, municipality or other general purpose political subdivision of this State. (Source: P.A. 98-528, eff. 1-1-15; 98-558, eff. 1-1-14; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 3
What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 3 cover?
Section 3 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Illinois § 3?
A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 3" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Illinois law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.
How does Illinois § 3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.