People v. Bainter

In these consolidated appeals we must determine whether sections 5 — 8—1(f) and 5 — 8—4(a) of the Unified Code of Corrections (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, pars. 1005 — 8—1(f), 1005 — 8—4(a)) are in violation of the separation of powers clause of the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. II, §1) as an impermissible attempt by the legislature to revest the circuit courts with jurisdiction over final judgments in criminal cases.

In cause No. 65362 the defendant, Virgil Bainter, was charged in the circuit court of St. Clair County with armed robbery. On March 22, 1983, Bainter pleaded…