Illinois
Illinois’ highest court is the Supreme Court of Illinois. The court has six justices and one chief justice, who is elected by the other justices to serve a three-year term. (Source: Supreme Court of Illinois; Illinois Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Justices on the Supreme Court of Illinois are elected for 10-year terms through a partisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. Justices may seek additional terms through an unopposed yes/no retention vote. When a seat becomes open in the middle of a justice’s term, the remaining justices of the court appoint a judicial candidate to fill the vacancy. An interim justice appointed more than 60 days before Illinois’ next judicial primary holds office until the next general or judicial election. However, an interim justice appointed less than 60 days before Illinois’ next judicial primary, holds office until the second general or judicial election after the appointment. There are no term limits nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Illinois has had four constitutions adopted between 1818 and 1970. As of January 1, 2024, it had 16 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
How Are State Judges Selected?
Thirty-eight states use elections as part of their system for choosing high court judges.
State Efforts to Allow Lawsuits Against Federal Officials Gain Speed
The approach of the proposed laws is legally sound, textually grounded, and more viable than many assume.
Closing Remarks
Transcript of panel from Symposium: State Constitutions and the Limits of Criminal Punishments
The Tenacious Power of Constitutional Torts
Despite hurdles, civil rights litigation is a critical tool for people who have been harmed by the government and for those seeking long-lasting change.
Who’s Hiring State Supreme Court Clerks?
State-by-state information to aid law students and young attorneys in securing a state clerkship.
Religious Freedom and Abortion
Religious liberty protections have been steadily extended in both state and federal court over the last two decades. In some states, plaintiffs are arguing religious liberty includes a right to an abortion, with some success.
State Constitutions Could Bar State and Local Police Collaboration with ICE
Case law in multiple states suggests state and local officials who cooperate in federal abuses might run afoul of their own state constitutions.
State Law Gives Litigators Extra Tools to Counter Originalism
Unique features of state courts allow lawyers to go beyond arguments available in federal courts.