Ann Maher News
Seventh Circuit denies review of Herndon's certification of $7.6 billion case against State Farm
CHICAGO – The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has denied State Farm's petition for review of a class certification order over its role in the election of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier more than 12 years ago.
LeChien should not have jurisdiction over state labor dispute, critic says
St. Clair County Circuit Judge Robert LeChien has granted a temporary restraining order for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 to block contract terms imposed by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Duebbert sworn into office by McGlynn; No other judges attend ceremony
Ronald Duebbert was sworn in as circuit judge Monday afternoon by fellow circuit judge Stephen McGlynn.
Prenzler sworn in as Madison County Chairman; First action is to allow veteran Lavite back into office
Prenzler was sworn into office this morning by Associate Judge Luther Simmons before a crowd that included elected officials and supporters.
'Lightspeed' attorney Steele hit with another sanction in Herndon's federal court
U.S. District Judge David Herndon hammered Chicago plaintiff attorney John Steele with a $47,171.76 civil contempt sanction last week to compensate a defendant targeted in an "exploitive" lawsuit.
Illinois Supreme Court won't take up Union Pacific's challenge to St. Clair County forum
The state's high court has denied Union Pacific's petition for leave to appeal a forum decision arising from a St. Clair County railroad injury case.
Madison County 'light' cigarette case hangs on in spite of demise of Price v. Philip Morris
An 11-year-old "light" cigarette lawsuit containing similar allegations as Madison County's most notable class action - Price v. Philip Morris - has been continued an 11th time since a judge ordered the plaintiff to explain why it should not be dismissed for want of prosecution.
As Fifth District gets reshaped, so too will lower courts in Third and First Judicial Circuits
The election of Judges John Barberis, 49, and James "Randy" Moore, 63, to the Fifth District Appellate Court ushers in relative youth to a bench where the average age is 68.2 years.
Randolph County jurors side with defense in fatal accident case; Plaintiff had sought $1 million
Randolph County jurors returned a defense verdict Oct. 21 following a week-long trial over the auto accident death of an 81-year-old man six years ago in Chester.
ICJL: Voters expect independence in their judges, as seen in rejection of candidates who benefited from trial lawyer largesse
Candidates who benefited from trial lawyer largesse in Fifth District Appellate Court races "forfeited their ability to win," according to Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL) President John Pastuovic.
Prenzler says that new administration will focus on 'better ethics' and tax cuts
Madison County Board Chairman-elect Kurt Prenzler attributes his win Tuesday to running a "very positive" campaign and connecting with voters on a property tax cut referendum, which they overwhelmingly approved.
Duebbert tops chief Judge Baricevic in Twentieth Judicial Circuit race
Republican Ron Duebbert has been elected circuit judge in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, defeating Democrat incumbent, Chief Judge John Baricevic.
Barberis and Moore appear headed to victory in Fifth District Appellate Court races
With 87 percent of precincts reporting in the Fifth Judicial District, Republican appellate court candidates John Barberis and James "Randy" Moore appear to have won their races.
Prenzler wins Madison County chairmanship
In a squeaker of a race, Republican Kurt Prenzler beat Democrat Alan Dunstan for chairmanship of Madison County government.
Last minute attack against Mudge and Matoesian is mystery to local political observers
Last minute campaign attacks against Madison County Circuit Judges Bill Mudge and Andy Matoesian appear to have originated with Washington, D.C.-based Our Generation, a non-profit, non-partisan group promoting "long-term, free market solutions to today's public policy concerns."
Lawyer-funded PAC running negative campaign against Barberis, Moore finishes out with robo calls
Attacks against Republican candidates for the Fifth District Appellate Court finished recently with negative robo calls, reminiscent of the well-funded, 11th hour targeting of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier in 2014. .
Asbestos lawyer-funded PAC using 'underhanded' tactics with negative campaign flyers, critics say
Campaign advertising that depicts Fifth District Appellate Court candidates John Barberis and James "Randy" Moore as judicial "activists" in flyers sent to Republican households and as "judicial bobbleheads for Bruce Rauner" in flyers sent to Democratic households have infuriated supporters of the judges.
Mother of drug death victim 'begged' court for help with daughter's heroin addiction
Chris Keel of State Park continues to mourn the loss of her 20-year-old daughter Jennifer Herling more than four years ago in September 2012.
Karmeier sworn-in as Chief Justice of Illinois Supreme Court
SPRINGFIELD – Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier was installed Monday as Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, becoming the state's 120th chief justice.
Drug testing, public confidence and retention question remain issues in judicial races in St. Clair County
More than three years since the exposure of illegal drug use by St. Clair County judges and a probation officer, the high profile scandal remains a prominent issue in the election of local judges this year.