By Justice Mary Jane Theis
The Illinois Judicial Branch serves the people of our state. Over the past three years, Courts Connect has highlighted the incredible work of judges, lawyers, staff members, stakeholders, and volunteers to make justice more accessible, responsive, and fair. I would like to review some of that work.
In 2022, the Illinois Supreme Court welcomed four new members. For the first time, the Court had five women justices and three Black justices. I have seen my colleagues grow and thrive in their ever-evolving roles. The Court has traveled across the state, “riding the circuit” to Chicago State University, Northern Illinois University, and Southern Illinois University, showcasing an important part of our decision-making process. That process, while vitally important, is only a fraction of what the Court does. The seven Justices have all served as liaisons to the many Committees and Commissions that help administer justice and impact communities in Illinois. In coordination with the Conference of Chief Judges, the Court has also built a structure to implement successfully the groundbreaking change of the so-called Pretrial Fairness Act. And we have expanded the role of the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services, which now operates as an independent agency.
The Illinois Judicial Conference, the constitutionally-created body for strategic planning in the judicial branch, merits praise as well. In three years, the IJC has completed numerous initiatives to further our agenda. The Conference’s Task Force on Indigent Criminal Defense has been instrumental in the passage of the FAIR Act, which seeks to increase resources for public defenders. Additionally, the Executive Committee on the Practice of Law, a newly-formed body comprised of the leadership of the various Committees and Commissions that govern legal practice in Illinois, has offered several important proposals to address the problem of “legal deserts” in our state. One of those proposals will soon open courthouse doors to Community Justice Workers. And the Conference’s AI Task Force created a policy to govern the use of artificial intelligence by the bench and bar. Illinois is one of the first states to adopt such a policy.
The Court’s many Committees and Commissions have also been busy. This coming January, the Illinois Judicial College, which provides continuing education to Illinois judges, judicial branch staff members, and other interested stakeholders, will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The College currently features more than 300 courses, in addition to the more than 100 courses of which are offered at the biannual Education Conference. The Conference of Chief Judges has pioneered reforms to juvenile justice across the state. Mental health has been a Committee focus in a series of webinars devoted to restoration of fitness for criminal defendants. And the Committee on Domestic Violence recently convened a summit to shed light on a vexing issue, and bring solutions and hope to victims.
Finally, I must recognize the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and its tireless Director, Marcia Meis. Without the support of the AO and its incredible staff, as well as hundreds of volunteers, the Court’s work would remain incomplete. The AO has been instrumental in helping the Court in nearly countless ways. On behalf of my colleagues, I extend the Court’s sincere gratitude.
As remarkable as the work that I mentioned has been, our service to the People of the State of Illinois remains ongoing. The cause of justice never rests, and the Illinois Judicial Branch will always respond to challenges, both old and new. We look forward to fulfilling our integral role as the third branch of state government.