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
No State Actor, No Problem
Unlike the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions can impose obligations on private actors.
States and the Balance of Power
States — and their courts — quietly shape and check federal power.
Fifty Unique, Ever-Changing State Constitutions
A new resource from the State Democracy Research Initiative makes the current text of all 50 state constitutions available and searchable on one site.
Local Abortion Restrictions Preempted in New Mexico
The New Mexico Supreme Court struck down an attempt by conservative activists to create anti-abortion enclaves in the state, which has expansive abortion protections.
What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.
Can Sanctuary Cities Survive the Second Trump Administration?
Whether local governments must comply with federal immigration policy largely depends on state law.
Montana’s Climate Change Lawsuit May See Sequels Across America
Courts in Montana, Hawaii, and New Mexico have been receptive to claims by youth plaintiffs that failures to protect the environment violate state constitutions.
We Need to Know More About State Supreme Court Cases
State high courts interpret laws that impact some of the most intimate parts of our lives. Communities have a right to know what’s on the docket.