2014 Articles

The Chiefs’ DOs and DON’Ts By Hon. Michael B. Hyman July 2014 What advice would chief judges around the State offer to judges?

Civil practice Supreme Court Rule changes: 2013 By Hon. Barbara Crowder January 2014 An overview of the changes made to the Supreme Court Rules in 2013.

Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program By Hon. Edward M. Maloney January 2014 On January 1, 2014, Illinois joined 18 other states and the District of Columbia in removing state-level criminal penalties from the medical use of cannabis.

Courts Commission removes Cook County Judge By Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. June 2014 On May 9, 2014, the Courts Commission issued a unanimous opinion that removed Judge Cynthia Brim from office.

Deadman’s Act objection raises several issues By Jewel N. Klein July 2014 A look at the Deadman's Act and its erroneous application in a recent run-of-the-mill zoning violation case.

Driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants: From enactment to enforcement, hurdles remain By Juanita B. Rodríguez April 2014 Nearly six months after the new law authorizing temporary driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants became effective, it is time to consider whether law enforcement agencies, specifically those dealing with traffic enforcement, have modified their practices.

The First Amendment right to gather information vs. the court’s right to control its courtroom By Hon. Michael P. Kiley June 2014 In its recent decision in People v. Clark, the Illinois Supreme Court was called on to consider the constitutionality of the Illinois eavesdropping statute.

Foreclosure mediation has expanded to many parts of Illinois By Hon. Michael S. Jordan June 2014 Even though foreclosure filings have declined over the past year or so, there remain nearly 50,000 pending residential and non-residential foreclosures pending in Cook County alone.

The forlorn and forgotten affidavit comes to life (again) By Hon. E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. January 2014 A helpful guide to affidavits.

From the Chair By Hon. Diane Lagoski July 2014 A message from the Bench & Bar Section Chair, Judge Diane Lagoski.

“Good cause”: A phrase in search of a definition By Michael G. Cortina July 2014 Until the IMFL is amended to include a definition of “good cause,” mortgagors and mortgagees alike will be saddled with the burden of creating arguments as to why “good cause” exists and leave the decision to the discretion of the trial court judge.

How not to criticize a judge By Mark E. Wojcik August 2014 A recent lawyer's example may inspire you to think twice before attacking the integrity of the judge in your next case.

The Illinois Supreme Court expands the reach of the Code of Civil Procedure’s six-year statute of repose By Hon. Russell W. Hartigan & Griffen Thorne April 2014 On February 21, 2014, the Illinois Supreme Court decided Evanston Insurance Company v. Riseborough, holding that the six-year statute of repose from section 13-214/3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which applies to “the performance of professional services,” includes services where the parties have no fiduciary duty, and claims that are not limited to legal malpractice.

ISBA co-sponsors IJA program By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel December 2014 Learn more about this important program that was presented in October.

Judge William Maddux retires By Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. January 2014 Judge William Maddux retired effective January 11, 2014, after 23 years as a Circuit Court Judge.

Judges, advocates, and litigants: Why we all matter By Patrick M. Kinnally December 2014 The author shares his thoughts for how we can work together to make the system of justice even better.

Judicial pet peeves By Hon. Alfred M. Swanson, Jr. August 2014 A compilation of frequently cited irritants.

Jury instruction update By Hon. Barbara Crowder October 2014 Counsel who avail themselves of the most current version of the Illinois Pattern Instructions and the options for use of those instructions that the Supreme Court offers may find themselves more satisfied with the entire process.

Justice Reyes honored October 2014 The Hispanic Heritage Organization recently presented Justice Jesse G. Reyes, of the First District Appellate Court, with the Dr. Jorge S. Prieto, Sr., Humanitarian Award.

Lawyer shopping as a sword: It’s time to stop this abuse By David W. Inlander & Deborah Jo Soehlig October 2014 What should a lawyer and judge do when confronted with a litigant who has interviewed many attorneys in a field, and now attempts to disqualify all those he does not retain from representing his opponent?

Losing successfully on the motion call: Practice hints By Hon. William J. Lassers August 2014 A tongue-in-cheek guide to ensuring your motion doesn't win.

New Supreme Court Rule: Help for self-represented litigants By Hon. Thomas More Donnelly September 2014 The Illinois Supreme Court’s amended Rule 63(A)(4) encourages judges to make reasonable efforts to assist self-represented parties.

1 comment (Most recent September 21, 2014)

The rabbit and the turtle: Who wins—An examination of multi-district litigation on federal and state levels By Cyle Catlett & Hon. E. Kenneth Wright September 2014 An explanation of federal multidistrict litigation and Illinois’ state multidistrict litigation, and analysis of why the Illinois format is superior.

Recent Appointments and Retirements December 2014 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.

Recent Appointments and Retirements October 2014 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.

Recent appointments and retirements September 2014 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.

Recent appointments and retirements August 2014 Recent changes in Illinois' Judiciary.

Recent appointments and retirements July 2014 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.

Recent appointments and retirements June 2014 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.

Recent appointments and Retirements April 2014 Recent changes to Illinois' Judiciary.