- Illinoisillinois outline image by Kim Jones from Fotolia.com
The purpose of the Illinois state judicial system is to adjudicate matters of law that are set out in the state constitution. These include, but are not limited to, probate/inheritance, criminal prosecution, civil actions, personal injury, workers' injury and family law. - State sealstate seal of illinois image by Jan Ebling from Fotolia.com
On August 26, 1818, in Kaskaskia, the first Illinois state constitution was adopted in advance of the territory being admitted to the union as a state. Article IV of this constitution established the state judicial system, including a Supreme Court with appellate jurisdiction, and circuit courts. - A three-tiered judicial system was established by the Judicial Article of 1964. The three tiers are the Supreme Court, an Appellate Court and Circuit Courts. This system was further refined by the new state constitution, adopted in 1970.
- Chicagochicago 1 image by Blu-Mu from Fotolia.com
Many changes in the Illinois judicial system are driven by circumstances specific to Chicago/Cook County. The overwhelming prominence of this area requires that state laws and practices be continually reviewed and updated in response. - Without a strong state judicial system, the laws of the state of Illinois would be open to the interpretation of local jurisdictions. While some matters benefit from this localization, specifically zoning and statute matters, the standards of the state need the representation and protection of the state judicial system.
previous post