Protecting Fair Courts in a Citizens United World — Blogging the Forum

Thanks to everyone who came out! The forum was a great success with stimulating discussion about a critical issue facing our courts. We hope to post a video of the forum in the near future with the help of CANTV. 5:03 pm Mr. Skaggs on merit selection: Politics intrudes on the appointment process a...
May 23, 2012

Cook County Circuit Court Elects 9 Qualified & Well Qualified Associate Judges

The Cook County Circuit Court elected 9 new associate judges, all of whom were found qualified or well qualified by our affiliate, Chicago Council of Lawyers. Associate judges have the same authority as all other circuit court judges, although their salary is slightly lower. Associate Judges are ele...
April 26, 2012

Save the Date: 5/23/12 “Judicial Independence in a Citizens United World”

Please join us... Protecting Judicial Independence in a Citizens United World - New Ways of Looking at Judicial Recusal and Campaign Contribution Disclosure Sponsored by Justice at Stake Campaign and Co-Sponsored by Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice Chicago Council of Lawyers Illinois Campaign...
April 25, 2012

Thoughts after the Primary Election

In the run up to yesterday’s primary race, Appellate Justice Aurelia Pucinski was a vocal critic of the role of campaign financing in judicial elections. Judge Pucinski was particularly critical (audio link, relevant portion at the -1:20 mark) of the role of PAC money and money from donors and organ...
March 21, 2012

Illinois & Cook County Primary Judicial Election Results

As of today, our Voteforjudges.org website received 518,000 hits since the beginning of this judicial evaluation season with about 17,000 unique visitors. This is exciting evidence of a concerned electorate! Below is a table showing election results for Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois Appellate Co...
March 21, 2012