Illinois General Assembly
State Government: Elected Officials | State Legislative Bodies
Recent News About Illinois General Assembly
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Judge 'Robin Hood' asked to redistribute $90 million in old Illinois Bell case
Two local businesses want Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack to redistribute $90 million that Illinois Bell Telephone refunded to business customers in 2001, but so far Stack has not relished the Robin Hood role they offer. -
The deal Republicans should make on school funding in Illinois
Proft A Democrat Governor proposes tax cuts, however fleeting, and Republican legislative leaders respond by asking, "How's he going to pay for them?" -
Sneaking up on the outside: It's 'Con-Con' 2008
If you thought the 2008 presidential election, certain to have at least one candidate with strong Illinois, was the most important issue facing our state in 2008 -- you were wrong. Despite the fact that Hillary Clinton was born here, and Barack Obama lives here and represents us, the presidential election is not the important event on our calendar. -
Thank You for Smoking
Hopkins The Libertarian philosophy, the short version any way, succinctly states that every man has the right to go to Hell in his own way, without the annoying interference of the government, be it local, state or federal. -
Med-mal ruling not a surprise; but will have impact(s)
While it was disappointing, the ruling by Cook County Judge Diane Joan Larsen that the 2005 Illinois medical-malpractice reform bill is unconstitutional, it was not unexpected, nor is it the end of the world for advocates of fairness and of common sense legal reform in Illinois. -
Judge Larsen: Courage Under Fire
The winds of fearful political consequences notwithstanding,in an act of true courage, Cook County Judge Diane Larsen struck down the damage caps, finding they violate both the separation of powers provision as an impermissible infringement on the judicial process, as well as seeing the law for what is always was, an unabashed attempt to give even more special indemnities under the law to an already overly privileged class. -
Judge Larsen: 'We may not refuse to follow' the law
When Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Joan Larsen declared a state law establishing caps on damages in medical malpractice cases unconstitutional, her much anticipated ruling prompted an outpouring of criticism as well as praise. -
Chicago judge says caps on damages is unconstitutional
Murnane CHICAGO -- Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Joan Larsen ruled that a law enacted in 2005 by the Illinois legislature violates victims' rights by capping damages. -
Another local government may join call for legal reform
We reported just a month ago that the movement for civil justice reform in Illinois has been actively and aggressively supported by local governments, including municipalities, park districts, school districts, public transportation providers and others. -
Dwight Kay announces run against Jay Hoffman
Dwight Kay Dwight Kay, vice president of Cassens Transport in Edwardsville, has announced his candidacy for state representative in the 112th District. -
Tillery and Co. argue for overturning Callis' substitution rule
An aggressive class action law firm that has reaped many a handsome award in Madison County is hoping to overturn the first reform Chief Judge Ann Callis instituted as head of the Third Circuit. -
ICJL tracks legislators' voting records in civil justice scorecard
Sen. Frank Watson The Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL) Wednesday released a mid-session scorecard tracking the voting records - on civil justice issues - of all members of the Illinois General Assembly. -
Trial lawyers are only winners in Illinois legislature
Despite the intense media interest and the equally intense "insider" interest in what has been going on (or not going on) in Illinois government this year, the reality is that most Illinois citizens aren't paying much attention and those who are are not surprised by inept government because they don't expect government to do much that is good. -
State creates new associate judgeships in Third and Twentieth
Kimberly Lightford Metro-East lawyers aspiring to be judges, take note. -
One party rule results
To the editor: -
ICJL cautions opponents of SB1296 to 'keep the powder dry'
While opponents of a controversial, trial lawyer-sponsored bill are hailing its apparent demise, a leading tort reform advocate cautions to "keep the powder dry." -
Money-grab bill stalls in Springfield
A legislative proposal that would have shifted the burden of compensation in tort cases to the party with the most money rather than the most responsibility, appears to be stalled in the Illinois General Assembly. -
Illinois drops a spot to 46 in Harris survey
Tom Donohue The bad news for tort reform advocates is that Illinois dropped one spot in a national survey of state legal climates. -
Big Sky must propose remedy for suit against SBC
Dan Stack Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack understands why class action attorneys sued the phone company, but he can't figure out what they want him to do about it. -
Civil justice reforms reintroduced by Dillard in Senate
Illinois State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) last week reintroduced several civil justice reform proposals that may end up getting the short shrift in a less than friendly general assembly.