October 25, 2017
Justice Rita B. Garman and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced that Circuit Judge John P. Schmidt of the Seventh Judicial Circuit has been assigned as an Appellate Court Justice in the Fourth Judicial District.
Judge Schmidt was assigned to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Thomas R. Appleton. The assignment of Judge Schmidt takes effect on December 7, 2017, and will conclude on December 3, 2018.
"I am pleased to announce the assignment of Judge John Schmidt to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Thomas R. Appleton, who served the Fourth District with great distinction for many years, not only as justice, but as Research Director and Clerk of the Court," Justice Garman said.
"Judge Schmidt brings over 25 years of experience to his new position, including over 10 years as a prosecutor and seven years presiding over both civil and criminal trials. I am confident that he has both the knowledge and the temperament to be an effective and productive member of the appellate court."
Judge Schmidt was first appointed as a judge in 2010 in the Seventh Judicial Circuit and was elected circuit wide in 2012. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Schmidt had served as Sangamon County State’s Attorney since 1999, winning election in 2000, 2004, and 2008.
"I am humbled and honored by this assignment and, as I have every day, will continue to work hard on behalf of the people of the state of Illinois," Judge Schmidt said. "Justice Appleton served the bar and bench with great honor and distinction and we wish him well in his future endeavors. He will certainly be missed."
Judge Schmidt earned his Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law.
Judge Schmidt is a member of the Illinois Judges Association and the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Association, where he is a past president and treasurer, as well as a member of the Illinois Office of the State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor. He is also a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Education where he serves as a Judicial Conference Instructor.