New Policy on Forms Publication effective July 1, 2024
By Kathryn Hensley, Supervising Senior Program Manager, Access to Justice Division
The judicial system serves as the backbone of the rule of law and is central to the administration of justice. Forms, although often overlooked, play a pivotal role in ensuring that the system functions efficiently and effectively in courthouses throughout Illinois. Forms provide a structured and standardized method for individuals, irrespective of their legal knowledge, to submit their legal information, requests, or concerns. They also help make the judicial system more accessible to its constituents, help ensure procedural efficiency, and record decision-making for posterity.
As such, the Illinois Supreme Court recently approved the Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Forms Publication, focusing on the drafting and publication of forms to make the process and the forms themselves more standardized and uniform. The policy became effective July 1, 2024, and will ensure clear and consistent legal information is provided on all approved Supreme Court forms.
There are numerous entities within the court system that draft forms, which are ultimately approved by the Illinois Supreme Court for publication on the Illinois Courts’ website. You can find forms on the “Court Forms Hub” page, which lists forms under broad categories, such as the Supreme Court Rules Forms, Statewide Standardized Forms, Firearms Restraining Order Forms, Uniform Citation Forms, Administrative Forms, and Americans with Disabilities Act Forms. The forms listed on the hub are created by myriad entities, including the Conference of Chief Circuit Judges, Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts Executive Office, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, and various Supreme Court Task Forces and Committees.
Starting July 1st, all forms created for use by the public pursuant to statute or Illinois Supreme Court Rule must adhere to the Illinois Supreme Court Standardized Forms Style Guide
and the Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Plain Language. There are some exclusions to this policy, including statewide standardized forms created by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (pursuant to M.R. 25401 and Illinois Supreme Court Rule 10-101), Uniform Citation and Complaint forms approved by the Conference of Chief Circuit Judges (pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 552 and 589), and forms created, maintained, or required by federal or other state agencies.
Forms will now follow structured, uniform guidelines, which include page formatting and unique identifying form numbers for all approved forms. Additionally, all forms will be indexed by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts staff and, if applicable, forwarded to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee for public comment and a hearing. A separate process is also provided for forms requiring emergency approval or that are of a time sensitive nature to avoid delays in making these forms accessible to the public and court stakeholders. The intention of the policy is to help ensure required information is clear and presented in a consistent manner, thereby reducing errors and omissions.
While forms may be simple tools, their impact on the legal system is profound, facilitating a smoother, more accessible pathway for justice. The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts is eager to assist with helping any drafting committee or working group with their forms. Templates can be provided, and consultations can be made to ensure compliance with the policy. Forms currently published on the hub will be indexed and updated to comply with the policy.
Please contact Kathryn Hensley (khensley@illinoiscourts.gov or 217-208-3361) for further information or assistance with the policy.