Ann Maher News
Madison County GOP sees 'no vacancy' on associate bench; But chief says experience over affiliation is key
The lack of diversity of thought on Madison County's bench - by way of political affiliation - has the local GOP considering battle with those who get to pick the majority of judges at the Third Judicial Circuit.
Longest-serving judge in state, Matoesian, will retire July 1
Madison County Circuit Judge Andreas "Andy" Matoesian, 81, is set to retire July 1, according to an announcement from Chief Judge Bill Mudge.
Hightower is only local judge not re-appointed by elected circuit judge colleagues
Third Judicial Circuit judges have re-appointed 12 of 13 Madison County associate judges, according to a release from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
Hightower only associate judge in local circuits not recommended in ISBA poll; Elected circuit judges will decide reappointment
Serious evaluation or popularity contest? Results from the Illinois State Bar Association's recently released advisory poll of associate judges suggest that at least in some instances it could be the latter.
Defense bar opposes legislation that would effectively eliminate special interrogatories
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC) says the state's civil justice system would be substantially harmed if a bill supported by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association relating to "special interrogatories" gets passed as recently amended.
Union County judge Boie assigned seat at Fifth District Appellate Court
Union County Circuit Judge Mark M. Boie, a Republican, has been assigned a seat on the Fifth District Appellate Court to fill the vacancy created by the election of Justice David Overstreet last November.
Lawyers have til April 22 to evaluate associate judges; ISBA poll precedes re-appointments
Lawyers in Illinois have until April 22 to evaluate associate judges (outside Cook County) in a poll conducted by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).
New litigation trend - talc exposure claims folding into occupational asbestos suits
While the rate of asbestos filings is generally declining in courts across the country, a new litigation trend developing in Madison County and elsewhere is the inclusion of non-occupational talc exposure claims within traditional occupational asbestos exposure complaints.
Wood River voters say 'Yes' to higher sales tax, in spite of court challenge over city's support
With a little help from city officials, and in spite of protest over that help, voters in Wood River have passed a 1 percent sales tax increase by a margin of 54 to 46 percent.
Judge Harrison declines to order Wood River to take down signs promoting sales tax increase
Madison County Associate Judge Clarence Harrison declined to order the City of Wood River to remove "vote Yes" signs positioned on city-owned property and inside City Hall that promote a sales tax increase referendum on the ballot in Tuesday's election.
Another bill favored by trial bar advances in Illinois; Would repeal 'special interrogatories'
A bill that would repeal a requirement that jurors understand what are sometimes complex instructions in civil litigation before arriving at verdict is advancing in the State House.
Lawyer against Just for Men seeks to keep jurisdiction in Southern District of Illinois
BENTON – To preserve jurisdiction over 8,655 claims of injury from Just for Men hair dye, John Driscoll of St. Louis proposes to treat four defendants as one.
State passes bill lifting 25-year statute of repose for occupational disease lawsuits
The state has passed a bill that lifts restrictions for when workers suffering from occupational disease, such as asbestos, must file suit against an employer.
Press conference called to raise questions about Wigginton's driving privileges after second DUI
A press conference is scheduled Wednesday at noon outside the Madison County courthouse to draw attention to a clerical error that allows former U.S, Attorney Stephen Wigginton to retain driving privileges while prosecutors pursue a second DUI charge against him.
Trial-lawyer bill would lift filing restrictions in asbestos claims; Critic says proposal would create unlimited liability
A bill that would reverse a 2015 state Supreme Court decision by allowing workers with latent diseases to sue their employers will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon.
McCarter: national security, economic development factor prominently in role as ambassador to Kenya
As former Illinois state senator Kyle McCarter prepares to assume the role as U.S. ambassador to Kenya, terrorist threats in the eastern African nation remain heightened three weeks after a deadly attack at a Nairobi hotel and office complex.
Residency of newly appointed Madison County associate judge - asbestos attorney Julian - is questioned
At the time attorney John Barry Julian would have submitted his application for Madison County associate judge, he was not a registered voter in the Third Judicial Circuit.
Associate judges picked at St. Clair County: Hoerner, Foley and Campbell
The newest associate judges who will serve at St. Clair County Circuit Court are Stacy Campbell, 37, of O'Fallon; Patrick R. Foley, 44, of Belleville and Kevin T. Hoerner, 56, of Belleville.
Asbestos attorney Julian applies for Madison Co. judgeship; Critic says enough with Dems crowding bench - try 'diversity of thought'
Twelve area attorneys have applied for the associate judge position that opened after Sarah Smith was elected circuit judge in Madison County in November, including the co-founder of what has become a national asbestos law firm.
New Year's Eve DUI arrest report indicates Wigginton's estranged wife placed call to Edwardsville police
A DUI arrest report of former U.S. Attorney Stephen Wigginton indicates that his estranged wife Kathleen contacted Edwardsville police to report he was "highly intoxicated" after striking her friend's vehicle in a Sonic restaurant parking lot at around 10 p.m. on Dec. 31.