Judicial Branch
Judicial Branch
Judicial Branch
Judicial Branch Overview
The Illinois Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting the law, providing equal access to justice, resolving disputes, and upholding the rule of law pursuant to the powers and duties entrusted to us by the Illinois Constitution. It is organized as a unified court system, meaning authority flows from the Supreme Court downward.
Illinois Supreme Court
- Highest court in the state.
- Composed of 7 justices elected from five judicial districts (Chicago-area district elects 3; others elect 1 each).
- Justices serve 10-year terms.
- Selects a Chief Justice from among its members.
- Handles:
- Appeals from lower courts
- Administrative oversight of the entire state court system
- Rules for court procedures and attorney conduct
Apellate Court
- The intermediate appellate level.
- Organized into 5 districts.
- Reviews decisions from the Circuit Courts (trial courts).
- Panels of 3 justices typically hear cases.
- Justices serve 10-year terms.
Circuit Courts (Trial Courts)
- Where most cases begin.
- Each of the 23 judicial circuits includes:
- Circuit judges (elected, 6-year terms)
- Associate judges (appointed by circuit judges, 4-year terms)
- Handles:
- Civil and criminal trials
- Traffic cases
- Family matters
- Probate
- Juvenile cases
- Small claims
- Many administrative reviews
Illinois State Bar Asssociation (2026, Mar 17). "The Illinois Courts System", https://www.isba.org/public/illinoiscourts
