Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced that the Supreme Court Committee on Equality has been renamed as the Supreme Court Committee on Equal Justice (Committee) and given a new charge.
The Committee will continue its work to promote equality and fairness in all aspects of the administration of justice and facilitate a high level of trust and public confidence in the courts, judicial officers, and the entire judicial system. The Committee works to advance the Supreme Court of Illinois' commitment to a judicial system free of bias in which every user and employee of the court feels fairly treated, safe, and respected.
A new charge for the renamed Committee is to “strengthen and advance the ideals of fairness, equity, and diversity in the entire Illinois legal system; identify and work to dismantle inequalities, disparities, and biases in the Illinois legal system; foster and develop a high level of public confidence; and extend respect and dignity to all.”
First formed in 2015, the Committee is chaired by 1st District Appellate Court Justice Michael B. Hyman with Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. serving as the Supreme Court Liaison to the Committee. The appointed members are a diverse mix of judges and attorneys from all around the state. In 2022 the Committee added six subcommittees to help further promote equality and trust in the court system.
A full list of members of the Committee and their terms can be found here.