The Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases before a packed audience at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Student Center on March 18.
More than 900 junior high and high school students, SIU law students, members of the community and special guests listened to arguments by attorneys in cases arising out of Kendall County and Cook County. The SIU Simmons Law School hosted the event, which is part of the state’s high court tradition of “riding the circuit” throughout Illinois. A Q&A with First Circuit Judge Christy W. Solverson, the presiding judge in Jackson County, followed oral arguments.
In recent years, the Supreme Court has held oral arguments in other locations in Illinois to raise awareness of the judicial branch and of the important role the court system has in interpreting state laws. This outreach into various communities in Illinois has been a tremendous success, particularly with students who gain a better understanding of state civics. Prior to the Carbondale visit, the Court met in Mt. Vernon in 2008, Ottawa in 2014, Lisle in 2016, Champaign in 2018, Godfrey in 2019, Chicago in 2023, and DeKalb in 2024.
This event was sponsored by the Illinois Supreme Court, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, SIU Carbondale and SIU Simmons Law School.
Photos from the event are available here.