HR0790 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0790 LRB097 18891 AJO 64129 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The role of the judiciary in Illinois is vitally important to individuals, businesses, units of local government, and other entities; and

WHEREAS, The confidence of our residents in our judiciary is an important part of the fabric of State government; and

WHEREAS, Any question about the ability, experience, or integrity of the associate judges who perform central functions of the judiciary detracts from the esteem in which the Illinois judiciary is held; and

WHEREAS, A systematic program to improve the performance of associate judges would improve the quality of justice and boost the confidence of our citizens in State government; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Illinois Supreme Court is urged to consider a system for the evaluation and removal of associate judges that could be administered by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts; and be it further

RESOLVED, That an evaluation system could include assessment and ranking mechanisms for an appraisal of associate judges by the circuit judges of the judicial circuit within which the associate judges serve; and be it further

RESOLVED, That an evaluation program with this purpose could include rankings on factors such as: (1) knowledge of the substantive law and the applicable rules and procedures; (2) ability to treat participants with fairness, dignity, and respect; (3) avoidance of conflicts and improprieties; (4) quality of written and oral communications; (5) participation in professional development activities; and (6) efficient management of the courtroom and calendar; and be it further

RESOLVED, That an evaluation system might also include the participation of bar associations active within the circuit to provide comments from lawyers who practice before associate judges; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Supreme Court might consider an evaluation system that provides that any associate judge who is rated in the lowest 10% of associate judges in the circuit in which he or she serves for any 2 years within any 3-year period be removed from office; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this Resolution be delivered to the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.