Judges Archives

Judicial watchdog files complaint against appellate judge accused of interfering in nephew’s case

The charges allege Harris spoke with two judges hearing an appeal involving his nephew, an allegation first reported by Injustice Watch in 2020.

by Jonah Newman May 2, 2022January 31, 2024

2022 Primary

Why are so few people running for Cook County judge?

Only 64 candidates filed to run for Cook County circuit court judge this year — a record low. There were nearly twice as many judicial hopefuls in the last election.

by Maya Dukmasova March 31, 2022January 8, 2024

Judicial Conduct

Illinois Appellate Court Judge Sheldon Harris announces retirement, creating vacancy for June primary

Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Ehrlich confirmed to Injustice Watch that he plans to run for Harris’ appellate court seat.

by Jonah Newman March 16, 2022January 31, 2024

A hand holds a judicial eletcion ballot with question marks around it

Judicial Elections

Everything you need to know about Cook County judicial elections

Who can run? Why are judicial elections partisan? How do I pick a judge who shares my values? Injustice Watch and WBEZ’s Curious City are teaming up to answer your questions about judicial elections.

by Maya Dukmasova February 16, 2022June 24, 2025

3d rendering gavel and a red heart on white background

Judicial Conduct

Proposed judicial ethics code is silent on courthouse romances

The code of conduct for judges may get a long-overdue update, but critics say the revision should have banned relationships between judges and their subordinates.

by Maya Dukmasova February 14, 2022January 8, 2024

The sillouhettes of judges huddled in a rrom with their backs turned.

Judicial Elections

Applications open for 10 new Cook County associate judges

Associate judges are picked by the elected circuit judges in a closed-door process that some say privileges political insiders.

by Maya Dukmasova February 2, 2022January 30, 2024

Judicial Conduct

Committee proposes changes to Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct

The Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct hasn’t been overhauled since 1993. The proposed changes include guidelines on how judges can use social media and other technology, which didn’t exist when it was last updated.

by Josh McGhee February 1, 2022January 8, 2024

A judge looks down from the bench and winks at a woman, who is turned away from him.

Judicial Conduct

El juez del condado de Cook, Raúl Vega, se jubila bajo una nube de acusaciones

Vega, ex juez superior de la corte de violencia doméstica del condado de Cook, se jubilará con una pensión vitalicia, a pesar de las acusaciones de maltrato de las mujeres en su sala de tribunal.

by Kelly Garcia January 31, 2022January 26, 2024

Judicial Conduct

Cook County Judge Raúl Vega is retiring under a cloud of allegations

The former top judge of Cook County’s domestic violence court, Vega will retire with a lifetime pension, despite accusations from women in his courtroom that he mistreated them.

by Kelly Garcia January 27, 2022March 19, 2024

A map showing the 20 new judicial subcircuits in Cook County

Judicial Elections

Illinois legislature creates five new judicial subcircuits in Cook County to further diversify the bench

Bill rushed through state legislature last week promises years of hyperlocal judicial races, which could make it easier to become a judge but might come at a cost to the Cook County Democratic Party.

by Maya Dukmasova January 12, 2022January 8, 2024

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