Supreme Court Justice Robert R. Thomas presided over the Second District ceremony at 10 a.m. at Hemmens Memorial Building in the Elgin Civic Center Plaza in Elgin on November 5.
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November 6, 2015
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November 6, 2015
Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride presided over the Third District ceremony at the Kankakee Community College Main Auditorium on November 5. ISBA President-elect Vincent Cornelius addressed the class. -
November 6, 2015
Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman presided over the Fourth District ceremony at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield on November 5. ISBA President Umberto S. Davi addressed the class. -
November 6, 2015
Supreme Court Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier presided over the Fifth District ceremony on Nov. 5 at the Southern Illinois University School of Law Auditorium in Carbondale. ISBA Board member Dennis J. Orsey addressed the class. -
November 5, 2015 |
Practice News
In re M.A.By Kerry J. Bryson, Office of the State Appellate DefenderWhen she was 13 years old, M.A. used a knife to cut her 14-year-old brother after a physical altercation between them. As a result, she was adjudicated delinquent of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery, and domestic battery. On appeal, she challenged the registration provisions of the Violent Offender Act on various constitutional grounds.Asserting an equal protection violation, M.A. argued that juvenile violent offenders were similarly situated to juvenile sex offenders. The Court rejected that assertion, citing to the legislative history of both the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) and the Violent Offender Act (VOA).
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November 4, 2015
In September, the Honorable Harry J. Leinenweber announced his verdict in the federal bench trial of Chicago criminal defense attorney Beau Brindley and his law partner, Michael Thompson. Judge Leinenweber acquitted Brindley and Thompson on all counts, finding that the government had failed to prove its case.Brindley was accused of coaching witnesses to lie under oath, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. The 21-count indictment focused on six federal criminal trials where Brindley was defense counsel.Preparing clients and witnesses for trial is an essential part of an attorney's practice. But what are the limits? Where does rigorous preparation leave off and improper coaching begin?Thomas P. McGarry, a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, represents lawyers and their professional liability insurers. He says that the question of how far a lawyer can go explaining to the client the impact on the case of a question and its answer is organic - there is no bright line. Find out more in the November Illinois Bar Journal.1 comment (Most recent November 5, 2015)
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November 4, 2015 |
Practice News
Our panel of leading appellate attorneys review Wednesday's Illinois Supreme Court opinions in the civil cases Price v. Philip Morris, Inc., The Henderson Square Condominium Association v. LAB Townhomes LLC and Folta v. Ferro Engineering. Price v. Philip Morris, Inc.By Michael T. Reagan, Law Offices of Michael T. ReaganHolding that 735 ILCS 5/2-1401 does not authorize a circuit court to vacate the judgment of a reviewing court, the supreme court vacated the judgments of both the circuit and appellate courts in this latest of many rounds following the entry of a judgment for compensatory and punitive damages in the amount of $10.1 billion following a bench trial in Madison County in March, 2003. Previously, that money judgment of the circuit court was reversed by the supreme court upon a direct review under SCR 302(b). That plurality opinion found that the Federal Trade Commission had specifically authorized the use of descriptors for light cigarettes, thereby effectively barring plaintiffs’ complaint by operation of Section 10b(1) of the Consumer Fraud Act. There, the supreme court remanded to the circuit court with instructions to dismiss the case, which was done.2 comments (Most recent November 5, 2015)
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November 4, 2015 |
ISBA News | Events
The Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association are pleased to invite you to celebrate the profession and consider issues of mutual interest to the bench and bar during our annual Midyear Meeting (and joint meeting with the Illinois Judges Association). December 10-12, 2015The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IllinoisThis year's highlights include:Opening + Law School Alumni ReceptionsLuncheon Presentation by Attorney General Lisa MadiganMedia Talk Program - Speaking on Legal TopicsPoetry + the Law Program - Remembering to Be InspiredCLE Master Series: An American Prosecutor's Story - The Holocaust and the Dachau War Crimes TrialFriday Reception/Dinner Honoring the Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court, with Featured Speaker Justice Anne BurkeAdvanced Registration Deadline: December 4 Hotel Reservation Deadline: November 16(Room Rate: $155 single/double plus tax)Click here for more information and to register.
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November 4, 2015
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride has announced an application process for appointment to a resident Circuit Court vacancy in Rock Island County in the 14th Judicial Circuit.The vacancy will be created by Circuit Judge F. Michael Meersman's retirement, which takes effect at the close of business on November 30, 2015.
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November 4, 2015 |
Practice News
Attorney Ralph Schumann provides an update on changes coming to Real Estate Law.1 comment (Most recent November 5, 2015)