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
The Federalization Dimension in Takings
The U.S. Supreme Court does not always lead and state courts do not always follow.
Florida Supreme Court Hears Pivotal Abortion Case
The conservative court is being asked to revisit precedents protecting abortion rights.
Catching Up with State Courts
State courts have had a busy summer, with key rulings on abortion, guns, and environmental rights.
The Greening of State Constitutions
Courts play an increasingly important role in enforcing states’ environmental rights amendments.
Constitutional Amendment Processes in the 50 States
States offer multiple paths for amending their constitutions, which are much easier to change than the federal Constitution.
The Fate of Bail Reform in Illinois
The state’s high court is considering whether the state constitution tethers Illinois to cash bail.
How Do State Constitutions Evolve?
The Washington Supreme Court’s changing interpretation of its state “Privileges or Immunities” Clause shows how state courts can diverge from federal precedent over time.
New Data Shows Lack of Diversity on Many State Supreme Courts
State court benches continue to fall short of representing the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the communities they serve.