It’s not everyday that the Illinois Supreme Court hears oral arguments outside of Springfield. The last time the Court did so was back in 2014 when their courthouse was under renovation. Prior to that, 2008.
However this May, the Illinois Supreme Court is hitting the road and heading to Lisle, Illinois to hear arguments in two cases on Benedictine University’s campus.
The road trip serves as part of the Court’s and Chief Justice Rita B. Garman’s efforts to create more transparency in our court system and increase the public’s understanding and awareness of the work the Court does daily, serving an educational purpose for those across Illinois.
On May 19th, the Court will go into session at 10:30am to hear arguments in the cases of People v. Mark Minnis and Randall W. Moon, etc., v. Clarissa F. Rhode, etc., et al. at Benedictine’s Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business at 5700 College Road in Lisle.
This educational experience is free and open to all, even those with internet access. The Court will be live streaming the arguments via Advanced Digital Media/Blueroomstream.com. Note that seating in the auditorium is limited. Those hoping to attend in person should arrive early, because the doors will close at 10am.
The program is sponsored by the Illinois Supreme Court, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the DuPage County Circuit Court, the Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, Benedictine University, and the DuPage County Bar Association.
Chief Justice Rita B. Garmin is looking forward to the upcoming program because it gives students and the public a closer look at what goes on in our court system nearly every single day.
We are very much looking forward to our visit to Benedictine University. Such visits serve not only the purpose of making the work of the judicial branch more accessible and transparent, but also an educational purpose. I am delighted that the Illinois Supreme Court has the opportunity to bring the work of the court to the students and faculty of Benedictine University and other schools and to the people of DuPage County and the surrounding area.
Legal briefs of both cases have been posted on the Court’s website for more background on the cases being heard later this month.