The legal system is complex and can be difficult to understand. As a citizen, you have certain rights and responsibilities under the law that you are expected to exercise and respect, including serving on a jury and voting for elected officials. Learn more about the role you play in the legal system as a resident of Illinois, as well as how you can get started down the path toward a career in the law.
Consumer Guides
Video
- How will going to the courthouse look in the age of COVID?
- SBA Member Lawyer Discusses Jury Duty in Illinois
- Why do I have to serve on a jury?
- Who is excused from jury service?
- Where do I go for jury duty in Cook County?
- What is the deliberation process for a jury?
- What is an alternate juror?
- What if the jury can't all agree?
- What if I have a schedule conflict with jury duty?
- What if I don't want to serve on a jury?
- What if I don't show up to jury duty?
- What happens when the jurors get to the courtroom?
- What happens if I miss jury duty?
- What do jurors get paid in Cook County?
- How often can I serve on a jury?
- How is the jury foreperson selected?
- How is someone selected for jury duty?
- How do jurors know what the law is?
- Can the jury discuss the case after the trial?
- Does the jury's decision have to be unanimous?
- Ask A Lawyer: Why choose mediation over litigation?
- Ask A Lawyer: How do I find a mediator?
- Ask A Lawyer: What is mediation?
- What are punitive damages?
- What should I know about premises liability injury cases?
- I won in court. What can I do if a defendant won't pay?
- How does someone become a judge in Illinois?
- What can someone do if they feel a judge is unfair?
- Who monitors the conduct of lawyers and judges in Illinois?
- Where do I file my small claims complaint?