October 27, 2020

 

Access to Justice Listening Tour sessions were held virtually on October 22nd and October 23rd with judges, court staff, and justice partners of Cook County in attendance. The October 22nd session focused on civil court issues in Cook County and the October 23rd session focused on criminal court issues. Chief Justice Anne M. Burke as well as Justices P. Scott Neville, Rita B. Garman, and Mary Jane Theis were in attendance for one or both sessions to represent the Illinois Supreme Court. Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans was present on both days and gave his assessment of the issues facing Cook County Circuit Courts.

Illinois State Bar Association President Dennis Orsey served as moderator and solicited comments from individuals present on the call, which contained over 50 attendees. Local attorneys, sheriffs, and judges along with other attendees were able to speak on their experiences in the Cook County Circuit Courts both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Listening Tour sessions have been held in each of the five Judicial Districts. Video from each session is available at www.isba.org/accesstojustice.