John Seasly, Author at Injustice Watch

Top juvenile court judge still blocking motions despite new emergency order

Presiding Judge Michael Toomin continues to vet and reject detention review motions from juveniles, despite an order from the chief judge that all detention reviews be heard.

by John Seasly May 6, 2020January 8, 2024

Juvenile Justice

Judge blocks key legal protection for detained youth

Presiding Judge Michael Toomin has said youth detention reviews cannot be filed if they mention a law that juveniles cannot be held more than 30 days pre-trial. Chief Judge Timothy Evans is clarifying his order to say they can.

by John Seasly April 30, 2020December 5, 2023

Court Administration

Challenges arise as the courtroom goes virtual

In response to the coronavirus, the Cook County Circuit Court has moved most hearings online. The shift has meant technical difficulties and challenges for public access, especially in felony bond court.

by John Seasly April 22, 2020January 8, 2024

Judicial Conduct

Misconduct allegation against appellate judge remained private for years

Nearly four years passed before an allegation that Appellate Judge Shelly Harris tried to intervene in his nephew’s appeal became public. Bar associations made no mention of the allegation by retired Appellate Judge Mary Anne Mason, even as Harris ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Illinois Supreme Court.

by John Seasly April 2, 2020January 31, 2024

2020 Primary

Primary win puts Neville on path to become second black elected Illinois Supreme Court justice

Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. will keep his seat. In Appellate Court races, incumbents saw mixed results.

by John Seasly March 18, 2020January 8, 2024

2020 Primary

Supreme Court candidate rejects claims of unethical conduct, blames politics

Illinois Supreme Court candidate Shelly Harris has contended that the accusation that he acted unethically on behalf of a nephew is a false charge by a former colleague who supports an opponent in his race.

by John Seasly March 15, 2020December 5, 2023

Court Administration

Cook County Circuit Court to dramatically scale back operations due to coronavirus

The court will suspend all non-essential matters for 30 days starting Tuesday, the chief judge told presiding judges in a three-hour meeting on Friday.

by John Seasly and Connor Echols March 13, 2020January 8, 2024

2020 Primary

Illinois Supreme Court candidate Harris accused of ethical breach involving nephew’s case

A retired appellate judge said that a discussion that Illinois Supreme Court candidate Shelly Harris had with her about a pending case involving his nephew has led to a complaint to the state agency that investigates judicial misconduct.

by John Seasly March 13, 2020January 8, 2024

2020 Primary

Inside the $4.7 million race for the next Illinois Supreme Court justice

A single candidate has poured more than $1.9 million of his own money into the campaign, making this race more expensive than the last two Illinois Supreme Court races combined.

by John Seasly March 12, 2020January 8, 2024

2020 Primary

Diverse Illinois Supreme Court candidates face big fundraising gap

As of March 11, the three white candidates in the Illinois Supreme Court election have outraised the four people of color by a ratio of 2-to-1.

by John Seasly March 12, 2020January 8, 2024

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