Judicial Events | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Installation Ceremony of the Honorable P. Scott Neville, Jr. as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois

October 24, 2025

The elevation of Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois was marked by an installation ceremony at Apostolic Faith Church in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago on October 24, 2025.

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Oral Arguments at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

March 18, 2025

The Supreme Court Riding the Circuit oral arguments were held virtually in the Fifth Judicial District during its March 2025 term. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases.

Press Release

Memorial Service for Justice Benjamin K. Miller

September 16, 2024

On Monday, September 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., the Illinois Supreme Court hosted a memorial service in honor of the late Justice Benjamin K. Miller, who served on the Illinois Supreme Court from 1984 to 2001. 

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Installation Ceremony of Twelve Judges to Cook County Circuit Court

April 29, 2024

On Monday, April 29, 2024, Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court held a swearing-in ceremony for new Illinois Circuit Court Judges.

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Virtual Oral Arguments held in the 2nd Judicial District

March 21, 2024

The Supreme Court Riding the Circuit oral arguments were held in the 2nd Judicial District at Northern Illinois University during its March 2024 term. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases.

Installation Ceremony of Seven Judges to Cook County Circuit Court

February 2, 2024

On Friday, February 2, 2024, Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court held a swearing-in ceremony for new Illinois Circuit Court Judges.

Supreme Court Rules Committee Public Hearing

November 15, 2023

The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, 222 N. LaSalle Street, 13th Floor, in Chicago.

Bar Admission Ceremony

May 8, 2023

The Bar Admission Ceremony was held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. for all certified candidates who passed the February 2023 bar exam. Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis presided over the single statewide ceremony and administered the oath to the new admittees.

Installation Ceremony of New Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary K. O'Brien

December 5, 2022

On Monday, December 5, 2022, the Illinois Supreme Court held a swearing-in ceremony for new Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary K. O'Brien.

Installation Ceremony of New Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford

December 5, 2022

On Monday, December 5, 2022, the Illinois Supreme Court held a swearing-in ceremony for new Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford.

Installation Ceremony of new Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham

December 1, 2022

On Thursday, December 1, 2022 the Illinois Supreme Court held a swearing-in ceremony for new Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham.

Tribute to outgoing Justices Anne M. Burke, Michael J. Burke and Robert L. Carter

November 22, 2022

On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, the Illinois Supreme Court Justices shared tribute messages to outgoing Justices Anne M. Burke, Michael J. Burke and Robert L. Carter.

Bar Admission Ceremony

November 17, 2022

The Bar Admission Ceremony was held on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. via live video conference for all certified candidates who passed the July 2022 bar exam. Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis presided over the single statewide ceremony and administered the oath to the new admittees.

Installation Ceremony of the Honorable Mary Jane Theis as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois

November 14, 2022

The elevation of Justice Mary Jane Theis as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois was marked by an installation ceremony at the Supreme Court Building in Springfield.

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Virtual Oral Arguments held in the 1st Judicial District

September 22, 2022

The Supreme Court Riding the Circuit oral arguments were held virtually in the 1st Judicial District during its September 2022 term. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases.

Installation Ceremony of Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court Justice Eugene G. Doherty

July 14, 2022

On Thursday, July 14, 2022, a swearing-in ceremony was held for new Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court Justice Eugene G. Doherty.

Installation Ceremony of new Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White

July 7, 2022

On Thursday, July 7, 2022 the Illinois Supreme Court held a swearing-in ceremony for new Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. 

Bar Admission Ceremony

May 12, 2022

The Bar Admission Ceremony was held on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. via live video conference for all certified candidates who passed the February 2022 bar exam. Chief Justice Anne M. Burke presided over the single statewide ceremony and administered the oath to the new admittees.

Bar Admission Ceremony

November 10, 2021

The Bar Admission Ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 2 p.m. via live video conference for all certified candidates who passed the July 2021 bar exam. Chief Justice Anne M. Burke presided over the single statewide ceremony and administered the oath to the new admittees.

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Virtual Oral Arguments held in the 2nd Judicial District

September 23, 2021

The Supreme Court Riding the Circuit oral arguments were held virtually in the 2nd Judicial District during its September 2021 term. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases.

Press Release

Memorial Service for Justice James D. Heiple

September 22, 2021

On Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., the Illinois Supreme Court hosted a memorial service in honor of the late Justice James D. Heiple, who served on the Illinois Supreme Court from 1990 to 2000. 

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Press Release

Bar Admission Ceremony

May 13, 2021

On Thursday, May 13, 2021 the Bar Admission Ceremony was held at 2:00 p.m. via live video conference for all certified candidates who had passed the February 2021 bar exam. Chief Justice Anne M. Burke presided over the single statewide ceremony and administered the oath to the new admittees.

Bar Admission Ceremony

January 14, 2021

On Thursday, January 14, 2021 the Bar Admission Ceremony was held at 2:00 p.m. via live video conference for all certified candidates who had passed the October 2020 bar exam. Justice Rita B. Garman presided over the single statewide ceremony and administered the oath to the new admittees.

Installation Ceremony of new Illinois First District Appellate Court Justice LeRoy K. Martin, Jr.

January 4, 2021

On Monday, January 4, 2021, a swearing-in ceremony was held for new Illinois First District Appellate Court Justice LeRoy K. Martin, Jr.

Installation Ceremony of new Illinois Circuit Court Judge Sanjay T. Tailor

January 4, 2021

On Monday, January 4, 2021, a swearing-in ceremony was held for new Illinois Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sanjay T. Tailor

Installation Ceremony of new Illinois Supreme Court Justice David K. Overstreet

December 3, 2020

On Thursday, December 3, 2020 the Illinois Supreme Court held a swearing-in ceremony for new Illinois Supreme Court Justice David K. Overstreet.

Tribute to outgoing Justices Karmeier and Kilbride

November 10, 2020

On Tuesday, November 10, 2020 the Illinois Supreme Court Justices shared tribute messages to outgoing Justices Karmeier and Kilbride.

Memorial Service for Justice Charles E. Freeman

September 16, 2020

On Wednesday September 16, 2020 at 2 p.m. The Illinois Supreme Court will host a memorial service in honor of the late Justice Charles E. Freeman, the first African American to serve on the Court.

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View the Press Release

Bar Admission Ceremony

May 7, 2020

On May 7, 2020, the Bar Admission Ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. via live video conference for all certified candidates who had passed the February 2020 bar exam. Chief Justice Anne M. Burke presided over the single statewide ceremony and administered the oath to the new admittees.

Illinois Judicial Conference Strategic Agenda

October 2, 2019

On October 2, 2019, the Illinois Judicial Conference unveiled its Strategic Agenda for the Illinois Judicial Branch through the year 2022.

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Law School for Legislators

March 13, 2019

On March 13, 2019, the Illinois Supreme Court hosted "Illinois Law School for Legislators" to familiarize the Legislative branch with court operations.

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Oral Arguments at the University of Illinois in Urbana

March 15, 2018

Supreme Court ride circuit oral arguments at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana, Illinois during its March 2018 term. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases.

Memorial Service for Justice John J. Stamos

September 20 , 2017

Video of Memorial Services held for Justice John J. Stamos on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the Supreme Court Courtroom, 200 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield

Dedication of the Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse

August 4, 2017

On August 4, 2017, a ceremony was held to dedicate the Vermilion County Courthouse in the name of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman.

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Law School for Legislators

May 9, 2017

On May 9, 2017, the Illinois Supreme Court hosted "Illinois Law School for Legislators" to familiarize the the legislative branch with court operations.

Installation Ceremony of the Honorable Lloyd A. Karmeier as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois

October 31, 2016

The elevation of Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois was marked by an installation ceremony at the Supreme Court Building in Springfield.

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Oral Arguments at Benedictine University in Lisle

May 19, 2016

Supreme Court oral arguments at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois during its May 2016 term. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases.

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Oral Arguments at 6:30 p.m., in Springfield

May 17, 2016

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in one case.

Memorial Service for Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald

May 11, 2016

Video of Memorial Services held for Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in the Supreme Court Courtroom, 200 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield

Transcript of Memorial Service

ISBA Midyear Meeting (provided by Illinois Channel)

December 12, 2014

Presentation by featured speaker Justice Robert Thomas at reception in honor of the Illinois Supreme Court.

A Training on Self-Represented Litigants and Other Access to Justice Issues

October 22, 2014

"A Training on Self-Represented Litigants and Other Access to Justice Issues" was held Wednesday, October 22, 2014 and recorded.

Rededication of Supreme Court Building in Springfield

October 7, 2014

On Tuesday, October 7, 2014, a rededication ceremony was held for the restored Illinois Supreme Court Building, in Springfield, Illinois.

• Reception Program
• Program Insert
• Illinois Supreme Court Press Release on Rededication

Supreme Court Riding the Circuit: Oral Arguments in Ottawa, Illinois

May 21, 2014

On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, the Supreme Court will convene at 11:00 a.m. in the courtroom of the Appellate Court, Third District, Ottawa, Illinois, to hear oral arguments in two cases.

Memorial Ceremony for Justices McMorrow and Nickels

November 20, 2013

A Memorial Ceremony for Justices McMorrow and Nickels was held on November 20, 2013, in the Supreme Court Courtroom in Chicago.

Transcript of Memorial Service

Installation Ceremony of the Honorable Rita B. Garman as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois

October 28, 2013

The elevation of Justice Rita B. Garman as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois was marked by an installation ceremony at the Vermilion County Courthouse in Danville.

2013 Access to Justice Conference

October 23, 2013

2013 Access to Justice Conference held in Chicago on October 23rd.

Memorial Services for Justice Moses W. Harrison II

September 24, 2013

Video of Memorial Services held for Justice Moses W. Harrison II on Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in the Former Supreme Court Chambers of the State Capitol Building, Room 212 in Springfield.

Transcript of Memorial Service

Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice 1st Annual Access to Justice Conference

October 24, 2012

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice held the first annual Access to Justice Conference on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, in Chicago. The purpose of the conference was to explore some of the fundamental issues relating to access to justice, and to begin developing an agenda to increase and enhance access to justice in Illinois.

Illinois Supreme Court Special Session to Honor Justice Benjamin K. Miller

June 14, 2010

The Supreme Court held a Special Session to award The Honorable George N. Leighton Justice Award to Justice Benjamin K. Miller for his 25 years of service to the Illinois Judiciary.

Illinois Supreme Court Special Session to Unveil Historic Artwork by Albert Krehbiel

March 9, 2010

The Supreme Court held a Special Session to unveil Justice, With Precedence and Record, a historic painting by Albert Krehbiel, which was used as the rendering for the century-old murals on the walls and ceilings of the Supreme Court courtroom.

Memorial Service in Honor of Justice Howard C. Ryan and Justice Joseph F. Cunningham

May 20, 2009

The Illinois Supreme Court held a memorial service in honor of the late Justice Howard C. Ryan and Justice Joseph F. Cunningham in the Courtroom of the Supreme Court Building in Springfield.

Transcript of Memorial Service

Presentation by the Illinois State Bar Association to the Supreme Court of Illinois of a Bust of Abraham Lincoln

January 12, 2009

The Illinois Supreme Court convened in Special Session at the Supreme Court Building in Springfield to honor the accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln during the 200th anniversary year of his birth and to receive a specially rendered bust presented by the Illinois State Bar Association.

Installation Ceremony of the Honorable Thomas R. Fitzgerald as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois

September 8, 2008

The elevation of Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois was marked by an installation ceremony at the Supreme Court Building in Springfield.

Memorial Service in Honor of Justice Seymour F. Simon

May 23, 2007

The Illinois Supreme Court held a memorial service in honor of the late Justice Seymour F. Simon in the Courtroom of the Supreme Court Building in Springfield.

Transcript of Memorial Service

Memorial Service in Honor of Justices William G. Clark and Michael A. Bilandic

May 20, 2002

The Illinois Supreme Court held a memorial service in honor of the late Justices William G. Clark and Michael A. Bilandic, in the Courtroom of the Supreme Court Building in Springfield. Read the May 20, 2002 Press Release.

Transcript of Memorial Service