February 2018 Bench and Bar Newsletter

By Deane B. Brown

In accordance with the January 2017 amendments to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 756(e), effective January 1, 2018, Illinois became the first state in the country to adopt a mandatory program for all lawyers in private practice who do not maintain legal malpractice insurance, in order to register for 2019.

By David W. Inlander & Deborah Jo Soehlig

Recent cases, and the revocation of the CFPB rules limiting arbitration provisions in consumer contracts, continue the growing trend to remove many types of cases from the traditional litigation arena, when arbitration was contracted for between the parties.

By Mariangela Seale & Sarah Finch

With over half a year of the pilot program behind us, a review of the nuts and bolts of the MIDPP and a look at its practical application are in order.

By Hon. Kevin T. Busch

While the reporter has a duty to take down all that is said, the true burden of making a record rests with us, the judges and attorneys. So what can we do to make a better record?

By Hon. Barbara Crowder

Suggested websites and resources to help you learn more about Illinois' bicentennial.

By Christine Zeman

A brief overview of Illinois' rich history. 

By Hon. Brian R. McKillip

A recent decision by the appellate court is an opportunity to re-examine how closely the Rules of Professional Conduct resembles this fictional pirate code.

By E. Kenneth Wright Jr.

The Illinois Supreme Court recently issued a seminal ruling examining the constitutionality of the Illinois statute addressing the crime of unlawful use of weapons within 1,000 feet of a public park.

By Evan Bruno

The typical practice of orally delivering admonishments to a lay defendant ignores the glaring reality that virtually no human being—whether lay person or lawyer—is capable of retaining and recalling detailed information after hearing it only once. So why do the criminal courts indulge in this fantasy when such important rights are at stake?

Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.