Just as it is important to care about who serves as your Governor or state legislator, the people who are elected to the Illinois Supreme Court serve an important role within the checks and balances of state government. Members of the Illinois Supreme Court have the ability to strike down laws and order government officials to take certain actions. They have tremendous influence on how government operates and how it impacts your life. Because many court decisions are made by a one-vote majority (a 4-3 vote), it is crucial to know that all of the justices you are electing to the Supreme Court share your beliefs and values and will act on your behalf.

The Illinois Supreme Court, which is located in the City of Springfield, plays a critical role because it is the highest court in the state. Because judges in Illinois are chosen by election, it is not only important to understand general information about the Supreme Court and the current justices on the bench, but also learn about the Supreme Court candidates during an election season.

Biographies of the Justices
The Illinois Supreme Court consists of seven justices, elected from judicial districts for a term of 10 years. Three justices are elected from the first district (Cook County). The four remaining districts each choose one justice. When a Supreme Court Judgeship is vacant or newly created, candidates are nominated at Primary Elections and elected at the General Election. However, any Judge previously elected may have his or her name submitted to the voters on a special judicial ballot at the expiration of his or her term. This can occur without party designation and without an opposing candidate, on the sole basis of whether he or she should be retained in office for another term.

To learn more about each of the Illinois Supreme Court justices, read their biographies at the link below:
http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/meetsupremecourt.asp

To learn more about the courts in Illinois: http://www.state.il.us/court/General/CourtsInIL.asp

Supreme Court Overview
One of the most fundamental questions of law is whether a given court has jurisdiction to preside over a given case. Jurisdiction refers to the right and power to interpret and apply the law. The Supreme Court has general administrative and supervisory authority over all courts in the state. The Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts and may exercise original jurisdiction in cases relating to revenue, mandamus, prohibition or habeas corpus. To learn more about the courts in Illinois, visit the link below.
http://www.state.il.us/court/General/CourtsInIL.asp