Deepfakes in the Courtroom: Problems and Solutions
By George Bellas
Bench and Bar,
March 2025
“Deepfakes” are altered or completely fabricated AI-generated images, audio, or video, that are also extremely realistic, making them difficult to discern from reality. In a sense, they’re AI’s version of photoshopping. Lawyers need to educate themselves and their firms on what deepfakes are and how to spot them, develop a healthy skepticism of content they encounter, and question its source. Take nothing at face value, and closely scrutinize details of that content to look for anything inconsistent with reality, such as people with more or less than five fingers.
Deepfakes in the Courtroom: Problems and Solutions
By George Bellas
Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy,
March 2025
“Deepfakes” are altered or completely fabricated AI-generated images, audio, or video, that are also extremely realistic, making them difficult to discern from reality. In a sense, they’re AI’s version of photoshopping. Lawyers need to educate themselves and their firms on what deepfakes are and how to spot them, develop a healthy skepticism of content they encounter, and question its source. Take nothing at face value, and closely scrutinize details of that content to look for anything inconsistent with reality, such as people with more or less than five fingers.
What Is a Motion for Relief?
By Justice Judy Cates
Bench and Bar,
March 2025
Ever heard of a motion for relief? No—not a motion to reconsider, or motion for new trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict—but a motion for relief. The motion for relief is a procedural prerequisite to jurisdiction in the appellate court. A party seeking to appeal is tasked with filing a motion for relief, or “mini-brief,” in the trial court, setting forth the alleged errors that occurred during the detention proceedings and the grounds for the relief requested. The motion for relief will also serve as the argument of the appellant on appeal, as the appellant may file, but is not required to file, a memorandum in the appellate court. Ill. S. Ct. R. 604(h)(7) (eff. Apr. 15, 2024).
Mandatory Arbitration Clause Found Unconscionable and Therefore Unenforceable in Nursing Home Contract
By Albert E. Durkin & Peter W. Buchcar
Bench and Bar,
January 2025
On October 11, 2024, the Illinois First District Appellate Court affirmed the trial court’s decision to deny a Motion to Dismiss and Compel Arbitration, finding that mutually binding arbitration clauses or agreements in adhesion contracts that are so one-sided as to be deemed illusory can be substantively unconscionable and unenforceable, regardless of a severability provision.
Justice Is in the Doing
By Justice Michael B. Hyman
Bench and Bar,
December 2024
A discouraged lawyer receives a visit from a special ghost of presidents past.
Navigating the Future of Commercial Litigation: Top Five Trends to Watch in 2025
By Hon. Michael J. Chmiel
Bench and Bar,
December 2024
As we approach 2025, the landscape of commercial litigation continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements, shifting regulatory frameworks, and changing business practices. For attorneys practicing in the commercial banking, collections, and bankruptcy sectors, staying abreast of these trends is crucial for effective representation and strategic planning. This article explores five of the hottest topics in commercial litigation that are likely to shape the field in the coming years.
New Rule: Service of Process in Cook County
By Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. & Robert G. Markoff
Bench and Bar,
October 2024
A new law recently signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker now allows licensed private detectives and their employees to serve process in Cook County without court appointment. The new law is effective as of January 1, 2025.
Over 600 Years of Wisdom
By Laura A. Josephson-Bernat, J.D., MBA
Bench and Bar,
October 2024
Judges and lawyers share professional and personal advice that they wish they had learned earlier in their careers.
Striking a Balance Between Justice and Impartiality
By Judge E. Kenneth Wright, Jr.
Bench and Bar,
October 2024
As legal professionals, we bear an ethical responsibility to enhance access to justice by mitigating the barriers that disproportionately burden SRLs. Their presence in our judicial system is a given; the pressing question is how best to support and assist them.
Justice Stevens: The Great Contrarian
By Justice Michael B. Hyman
Bench and Bar,
November 2019
Justice Stevens’s extreme number of concurrences and dissents has left a robust trail that attests to his determination to be his own person.
Case summaries
Bench and Bar,
July 2001
The trial court took under advisement cross motions for summary judgment in a declaratory judgment action in a dispute over a contract to lease real estate with an option to purchase.
Legislature receives report of chief justice
Bench and Bar,
March 2000
Editor's note: Pursuant to section 17, article VI, of the 1970 Illinois Constitution, Chief Justice Moses W. Harrison II, on behalf of the supreme court, recently submitted to the General Assembly an annual report suggesting improvements in the administration of justice
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