Letter to the Editor: Campaign contributions and recusal

The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (account required for access) has run a letter to the editor from our Executive Director and our partners at the Chicago Council of Lawyers and the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, discussing the need for improved recusal standards in Illinois. We're pleased to...

Cameras in the Courtrooms

On Tuesday, January 24, the Illinois Supreme Court announced (.pdf) approval of a pilot program to allow cameras in court rooms in Illinois. Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans is enthusiastic about the idea and plans to petition for inclusion in the program. Judge Evans said he has...

Our Amicus Brief in Avery v. State Farm

 The Illinois Supreme Court has denied the appeal in Avery v. State Farm, without written opinion (.pdf), declining to restore the verdict. Chicago Appleseed takes no position on the merits of the underlying case, but did sign an amicus brief discussing the issue of judicial ethics and recusal raise...

A Call for Transparency: Illinois Judicial Vacancies Should Be Made Public

This piece originally appeared at the Huffington Post. When an Illinois judge quits or retires before the end of her term, Article VI, Section 12 of the Illinois Constitution allows the Illinois Supreme Court to select her replacement. This process happens behind closed doors –the vacancy is not an...
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