Public Accountability Report

The Supreme Court of Illinois, in addition to being the state's highest court, is responsible for the state's unified trial court, one Appellate Court with five districts, and several supporting units. The Supreme Court has general administrative and supervisory authority over all courts in the state. This authority is exercised by the Chief Justice with the assistance of the Administrative Director and staff appointed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts and may exercise original jurisdiction in cases relating to revenue, mandamus, prohibition, or habeas corpus. In addition, the Supreme Court oversees the practice of law by maintaining the role of attorneys and the licensing of corporations, associations, and limited partnerships in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 701 and 805 ILCS 305.

The Appellate Court hears appeals from the Circuit Courts and may exercise original jurisdiction when necessary to the complete determination of any case on review. The Appellate Court has powers of direct review of administrative action as provided by law. The presiding judge and judges of each appellate district are assisted by their respective staff, a clerk, and a research director.

Circuit Courts have original jurisdiction over all justifiable matters except when the Supreme Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction relating to the redistricting of the General Assembly and to the ability of the Governor to serve or resume office. Circuit Courts have the power to review administrative action as provided by law.

The Supreme Court of Illinois and the Illinois General Assembly created court-annexed mandatory arbitration to reduce the backlog of civil cases and to provide litigants with a system in which their complaints could be more quickly resolved by a panel of three attorney arbitrators.

The Illinois Constitution authorizes the Supreme Court to appoint an Administrative Director and staff to assist the Chief Justice in fulfilling administrative and supervisory duties. The Administrative Office is composed of several divisions.

The Executive Division of the Administrative Office is comprised of the Administrative Director and staff who are responsible for coordinating and facilitating support for the Supreme Court, Supreme Court Committees, and the Committees of the Illinois Judicial Conference.

The Access to Justice Division is involved in a wide range of activities and projects primarily within the civil justice system to help the legal system efficiently deliver outcomes that are fair and accessible to all court users, particularly to those who are low-income and vulnerable.

The Administrative Services Division supports the judicial branch in the development and management of the annual budget request and appropriated/non-appropriated funding, fiscal and financial reporting, oversite of contractual obligations and grants, procurement assistance, invoice voucher payments, and handling accounts receivable, and is responsible for payroll processing and oversees the benefit programs for judicial and non-judicial branch personnel.

The Courts, Children, and Families Division administers the federally funded Court Improvement Program, including awarding and monitoring grant funding, training for court stakeholders assigned to child welfare cases, and data collection efforts, and supports Supreme Court Committees and the Illinois Judicial College.

The Court Services Division is involved in a wide range of activities and projects affecting judges, circuit clerks, and the judicial branch of government generally.

The Human Resources Division supports the judicial branch through the development and management of a comprehensive human resources program. Among the division’s responsibilities are workforce planning, recruiting, training, employee relations, compensation, policy development, leave administration, performance evaluations, and risk management.

The Judicial College Division serves as the liaison to the Supreme Court of Illinois Judicial College Board of Trustees, provides curriculum and instructional guidance and direction to the six Judicial College Standing Committees, and develops professional development courses for the benefit of Judicial College members. Comprehensive Education Plans and curricula for judges, circuit court clerks, adult and juvenile probation and detention officers, trial court administrators, guardians ad litem, and judicial branch staff have been developed by members of the six Judicial College Committees, and the division provides technological and instructional design assistance to further committee efforts.

The Judicial Education Division identifies, coordinates, designs, and develops judicial education curricula and resources for the benefit of Illinois judges and those that aid the court in the administration of justice.

The Judicial Management Information Services Division provides technology and support to the offices and staff of the Supreme and Appellate Courts and the Administrative Office, and provides digital recording within the Circuit Court.

The Office of Communications and Public Information manages internal and external communications, including media relations, press releases, and public information.

The Probation Services Division sets statewide standards for hiring, promoting, training, and monitoring probation and pretrial officers and related services.