Chicago, Illinois—Let’s take a trip back to the 1970s, a time when disco ruled, platform shoes were serious business, and the eighth floor of the old Chicago Police Headquarters at 1121 S. State St. played host to Women’s Court . Officially known as Branch 40, this bustling hub of legal hijinks was where misdemeanors involving women—aka “the fairer sex”—were sorted out. Think of it as Judge Judy meets “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” with a side of CTA train noise for ambiance. Let me admit that there was never a woman judge presiding in this court. It was always a man. Back then, women committing crimes was a growing trend. Sure, they were still the minority in police blotters, but the ones who did get caught weren’t just there for shoplifting or jaywalking. Nope, the main offenses were the old standbys: soliciting prostitution, public obscenity, and the rather poetic-sounding “loitering prostitute.” For the uninitiated, “loitering prostitute” was a catchall for any lady ...