Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs confirmed that all associate judges in the Third Judicial Circuit have been reappointed for another four-year term by approval of the sitting circuit judges.
“On behalf of the circuit judges, we are very proud of the work the associate judges have done,” Stobbs said. “We congratulate them on their reappointment to a new four year term and look forward to their continued service on behalf of the citizens of Madison and Bond Counties.”
Judges selected for reappointment include:
Veronica L. Armouti
Andrew K. Carruthers
Angela P. Donohoo
Ronald J. Foster Jr.
Janet R. Heflin
A. Ryan Jumper
Martin J. Mengarelli
Ronald S. Motil
Emily J. Nielsen
Neil T. Schroeder
Maureen D. Schuette
Ronald R. Slemer
Justin S. Zimmerman
The judicial system in Illinois, established under the state’s constitution, provides for both elected and appointed judges.
According to the Illinois State Bar Association, circuit judges are elected or retained by the public to a six-year term. The elected circuit judges for each judicial circuit then appoint associate judges to a four-year term.
The circuit judges cast secret ballots, which are tabulated at the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts in Springfield. Associate judges must receive at least 60 percent of votes in their favor from circuit judges for reappointment.
The new associate judge term will begin on July 1.
All of the associate judges in the Third Judicial Circuit were recommended for reappointment in an ISBA Advisory Poll. The poll was released last month, ahead of the reappointment process.
Judges were rated on Meets Requirements of Office, Integrity, Impartiality, Legal Ability, Temperament, Court Management, Health and Sensitivity. Judges were recommended or not recommended based on their score for Meets Requirements of Office.