Illinois judicial news

From Judgepedia

News about or affecting the judiciary in Illinois.

Illinois Supreme Court rules malpractice caps unconstitutional

• Link to the ruling of the case

Former Illinois Governor re-indicted in federal court

Illinois: Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagjoveich was re-indicted on February 4, 2010 by a federal grand jury on eight new charges^[1].

Blagojevich is charged with the attempted extortion of former Congressman Rahm Emanuel, racketeering, bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery, and conspiracy to commit extortion tied to choosing a U.S. Senator^[1].

No date has been set for a plea hearing on the new charges^[1]. Blagojevich's trial is expected to begin in June of 2010^[1].

Illinois court declares malpractice caps unconstitutional

Illinois: The Illinois Supreme Court delivered a ruling on Thursday, February 4, that has made caps on jury awards for malpractice suits unconstitutional. The decision effectively removes a 2005 law that capped non-economic damages at $500,000 for physicians and $1 million for hospitals. The court found the law unconstitutional in that it violates the "separation of powers" because legislators interfered with the right of juries to determine fair damages.^[1]

Illinois court places candidate back on ballot

Illinois: The Illinois Supreme Court overturn two lower courts rulings by returning republican candidate Cynthia Hebda to the primary ballot for 59th district seat in the State's House of Representatives. Hebda was removed form the ballot after signing a petition to place Carole Sente on the Democratic primary ballot.^[1]

Federal judge from Illinois to assume senoir status

Peoria, Illinois: Federal judge Joe Billy McDade of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois announced on Thursday, January 28, that he will assume senior status on March 1, 2010. McDade has served on the bench since 1991.^[1]

Illinois court rules in favor of fired worker

Springfield, Illinois: The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Friday, January 22, that employers must continue to compensation benefits to an injured worker that has been fired for reasons unrelated tot he injury. The employer must continue paying until the former worker's medical condition stabilizes and has fully healed.^[1]

Retirement Act ruled unconstitutional

Illinois: The Illinois Supreme Court issued a ruling on June 18, 2009 that the Compulsory Retirement of Judges Act is unconstitutional.

Judge William Maddux and five voters in the Cook County judicial district brought the case to the Circuit Court, seeking a declaration of unconstitutionality for limiting the terms of judges based on age. The Cook County Circuit Court dismissed the case, whereupon it was appealed to the Supreme Court, which overturned the Circuit Court decision. Maddux is currently the presiding judge of the Cook County circuit court. He was first appointed a circuit judge in 1991 and has subsequently been reelected several times. His current term expires in 2010. Judge Maddux will be 75 years old by the date his term expires and would, at that time, have been subject to the Retirement Act’s provisions, had they been upheld. ^[1]

Lawyer-rating site loses Supreme Court battle

(7/16/2008) The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that an internet site that allows users to rate their lawyers was not entitled to access a list of state attorneys. The high court owns the list, while the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission maintains the list and originally denied the site's lawyers access to it.

Ban on moment of silence in school expanded

Chicago Tribune, 5/29/08. A temporary ban on an Illinois law requiring a moment of silence at the start of the school day was expanded Thursday to apply to all school districts across the state. The decision by U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman will remain in place while a legal challenge alleging the law is unconstitutional moves forward. Gettleman previously halted the law from being observed in Township High School District 214 in Chicago's northwest suburbs after atheist activist Rob Sherman challenged the law on behalf of his daughter, Dawn, a student at Buffalo Grove High School.

Judge benched after DUI charge

5/21/08, Chicago Sun Times. A Cook County judge accused of drunken driving has been reassigned to "administrative duties," the county's chief judge announced Tuesday. Sheila McGinnis, 47, slammed her SUV into a minivan carrying five people earlier this month in Tinley Park, police say. No one was injured in the crash. Moments before the crash, McGinnis' 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer was seen weaving and striking the curb. Police said McGinnis was also flashing her headlights and honking her horn. McGinnis refused sobriety tests. Judge Timothy C. Evans said McGinnis would be reassigned "until further notice."

• The New Politics of Judicial Elections in the Great Lakes States, 2000–2008

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