Illinois Case Law

The Illinois state court system is divided into three levels. The highest court in Illinois is the Illinois Supreme Court, which consists of seven justices. The Supreme Court reviews appeals of decisions by the Illinois Appellate Court. It also reviews appeals of decisions by trial courts in limited situations. Decisions by the Illinois Supreme Court are final unless the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review an appeal of a decision.

The middle level of the Illinois state court system is the Illinois Appellate Court. It consists of 24 judges, who are divided among five districts. Most appeals of decisions by lower courts must pass through the Appellate Court before reaching the Supreme Court.

The lowest level of the Illinois state court system consists of the Illinois Circuit Courts. These are the only trial courts in the state, and they are divided into 24 districts. The Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. This allows them to hear almost any type of case, with very narrow exceptions. The Circuit Courts also may review orders by certain state administrative agencies.

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission reviews disputes between employers and employees that arise from job-related injuries and illnesses. Before 2005, the Illinois Industrial Commission reviewed these cases.

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