Discussion on Online Courts and the Future of Justice

December 21, 2020

On December 2, 2020, Cook County Circuit Judge Thomas Donnelley held a discussion with Professor Richard Susskind, author of Online Courts and the Future of Justice, for the final webinar in the Supreme Court of Illinois Judicial College & the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois 2020 State & Federal Courts Webinar Series.

Chief Justice Anne M. Burke and Sara Darrow, Chief United States District Judge of the Central District of Illinois, hosted the webinar and provided opening and closing remarks.

The discussion between Judge Donnelley and Prof. Susskind centered around Prof. Susskind’s dramatic proposals to put in place improved, sustainable online court services. Prof. Susskind contended that remote hearings might better suit our increasingly digital society and could provide participants with a greater level of satisfaction regarding their court experience.

Cook County Circuit Judge Neil H. Cohen, Judge Jacqueline P. Cox of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Thomas M. Durkin of the United States District court for the Northern District of Illinois, Cook County Circuit Judge Ericka L. Reddick, and Fourth District Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White each joined the discussion virtually with a question for Prof. Susskind regarding his ideas.