Illinois Supreme Court Articles

Five silhouettes on a purple background with words from the Cook County Bar Association's letter against Judge James Brown inside the heads. The words "blatantly disrespectful" and "bias based on race, ethnicity, gender" are highlighted.

‘Blatantly disrespectful’: Lawyer groups push for removal of reinstated judge

The Illinois Supreme Court brought Judge James R. Brown back to Cook County to address a judge shortage — but two bar groups say his recent comments in a conservative blog should disqualify him.

by Melissa Dai January 22, 2026January 26, 2026

Judges

Abortion-rights advocates fearful of Republicans gaining control of Illinois Supreme Court in Nov. 8 election

With Roe overturned, a Republican majority on the state’s highest court could limit access to abortions, particularly for teens, across the Midwest.

by Rita Oceguera and Maureen Dunne November 1, 2022February 1, 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

Criminal Courts

Illinois speedy trial rights ordered reinstated — but not until October

The state Supreme Court is delaying the reactivation of speedy trial rights until October in order to give chief circuit judges statewide “at least 90 days to prepare,” according to a press release.

by Carlos Ballesteros June 30, 2021December 5, 2023

Criminal Courts

In Illinois, you (still) don’t have a right to a speedy trial

At the start of the pandemic, the Illinois Supreme Court suspended defendants’ constitutional rights to a speedy trial as courtrooms closed throughout the state. But even as pandemic restrictions are lifted across the board, the right to a speedy trial remains on hold.

by Carlos Ballesteros June 24, 2021January 8, 2024

Prosecutors

The history and harm behind Illinois’s criminal HIV transmission law

Injustice Watch and the Chicago Reader examined the origins of Illinois’s HIV transmission law, how Cook County prosecutors have leveraged it, and its impacts on people charged. The investigation is part of The Circuit, a courts data project from Injustice Watch, the BGA, and DataMade.

by Adam M. Rhodes June 7, 2021January 8, 2024

Empty courtroom with the seal of the Illinois SUpreme Court

Judges

Illinois lawmakers clash with state Supreme Court over bias training for judges

The Judicial Quality Act passed out of a state Senate committee Wednesday, despite opposition from the Illinois Supreme Court.

by Josh McGhee March 16, 2021December 5, 2023

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

Bail and Pretrial

Breaking: Former judges, prosecutors urge Illinois Supreme Court to reform bail

The state Supreme Court is urged to reform the bail system statewide, ensuring that defendants would not be held in custody awaiting trial only because of their poverty.

by Injustice Watch Staff July 9, 2018December 5, 2023

Less than Life

Illinois high court to consider how much time is too much for youth crime

The Illinois Supreme Court will consider whether a sentence of 50 years without parole for a 16-year-old violates the state and federal constitutions. Courts nationwide and in Illinois have struggled with where to draw the line for crimes committed by juveniles.

by Emily Hoerner and Jeanne Kuang June 4, 2018December 5, 2023

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