Third Judicial Circuit Court | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

The Third Circuit is composed of Madison County and Bond County. Although the court system in both counties is administered generally by the Chief Judge of the Circuit, the Circuit Court in each county functions separately.

The Circuit Court in Madison County is staffed by eight Circuit Judges and thirteen Associate Circuit Judges. The Circuit Court in Bond County is staffed by the Resident Circuit Judge in that county.

Links

• Administrative Order Administrative Order (2023-10) regarding remote SAFE-T Act hearings
• Disability Information (ADA)
• e-Filing Rules - Madison County
• Juror Information
• Jury Week and Court Hearing Dates - Madison County
• Madison County Court Forms

Resources

• Copier
• Court Disability Coordinator Marla Davis
  (618) 296-4884
  mdavis@madisoncountyil.gov
• E-filing Kiosk As mandated by the Illinois Supreme Court entered Order M.R. 18368 , January 1, 2018 all Civil cases are to be e-filed through one of the Service Providers. In addition, Madison County requires Family cases to be e-filed. During COVID-19 Illinois has waived all e-file requirements for Pro Se (self represented) litigants. Attorneys are not exempt and should still electronically file.
• Electronic Device Policy Policy on Portable Electronic Devices
• Food (Vending/Other) Vending machines are located in the basement of the courthouse.
• Foreclosure Mediation Program
• Free Parking Madison County Transit (MCT) Edwardsville Station is located directly across the street from the courthouse. Free parking is located in the Madison County parking lot. The entrance to the parking lot is located on North Second Street which is behind the Courthouse and Administration Building. North Second Street is accessible from St. Louis Street. Link to map.
• Internet
• Lactation Rooms
• Language Access
• Law Library The Madison County Law Library provides access to legal reference and research materials for the state of Illinois and Federal proceedings. The library also provides public access to Westlaw, a legal research database on three computers. Patrons can research statutes, cases, and find forms through Westlaw on a state and federal level. All of the library materials may be photocopied, however only judges and attorneys with an Illinois law license may check out materials. Photocopies are 10 cents per page. Services include call-in copying, emailing materials, monthly billing for copies, and assistance with computer research. Contact Angela Wille Madison County Law Library155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Legal Nav
• Local Rules / Orders View Local Rules
• Lockers
• Mandatory Arbitration Program Court-annexed arbitration was established in Illinois as a mandatory, but non-binding, form of alternative dispute resolution. The program is a deliberate effort on the part of the judiciary, bar and public to reduce the length and cost of litigation in Illinois. The program applies to all small claims jury proceedings and all civil cases seeking money damages exclusively greater than $10,000 and less than the jurisdictional limit approved for that particular circuit by the Illinois Supreme Court. In Madison County the limit is currently $50,000. Cases may also be transferred to the arbitration calendar from other court calls or divisions. These arbitration eligible cases are litigated before a panel of three attorney/arbitrators in a hearing resembling a traditional bench trial. Each party makes a concise presentation of its case to the panel of arbitrators who then deliberate the issues and make an award on the same day as the hearing. The parties to the dispute then have thirty (30) days to decide whether or not to accept the arbitrators’ award. In the event one of the parties is not satisfied with the panel’s decision, he or she may, upon the payment of the proper fee, the filing of the proper form with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the giving of notice to all other parties, reject the award. The parties will then proceed to trial before a judge as if the arbitration hearing had never occurred. The Arbitration Program has provided a speedier resolution of small civil lawsuits than had previously been possible. The parties accept the vast majority of the arbitration awards. In addition, the members of the Madison County Bar, as arbitrators, have played a major role in helping to reduce the length and cost of litigation in this circuit.
• Mobile Devices Allowed Policy on Portable Electronic Devices
• Printer
• Public Transportation
• Remote Proceedings View Remote Proceeding Information
• Self-Help Center Established in 2007, the Legal Self Help Center provides legal forms and access to legal information free of charge to the public. For individuals who cannot afford an attorney or wish to represent his/herself for family or civil matters, the Legal Self Help Center is usually the first stop when beginning a legal procedure. The Self Help Center is located in the Madison County Law Library and is staffed by a library clerk to answer general questions, assist with research, and guide visitors to available court forms. While the Center’s staff may provide information, they cannot give any legal advice. We can: Assist in using public access computers. Provide direction to available forms and other court related information. Explain how the court works. Provide legal information. Answer general questions. We Cannot: Give legal advice. Prepare legal documents. Review documents or forms for accuracy. Tell you what problems to bring before the court. Tell you what relief to seek. Talk to the judge for you. Tell you what to say in court or go to court with you. CONTACT Deana Lackey, Stephanie Flaugher, and Rachel Roach Madison County Legal Self Help Center155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (618) 296-4472 or (618) 296-5930