'Invite a Judge' Program in Illinois Aims to Build Public Confidence in Courts

​

The St. Charles Public Library will host the next installment of the 'Invite a Judge' program May 5, featuring Justice Elizabeth Rochford of the Illinois Supreme Court. She will be joined by St. Charles Mayor and retired Kane County Chief Judge Clint Hull for a discussion on public confidence in the courts and the legal system.

Ahead of the event, Justice Rochford spoke with Kane County Connects who described her appearance as part of a broader effort to strengthen connections between the courthouse and the community by helping residents better understand the role of judges and the judicial process.

“Public confidence is foundational to everything we do. It's foundational to our democracy and to the rule of law. When people don't understand what judges do, it can lead to frustration and misunderstanding. People benefit from knowing what we do and what we don't do."

Through the Illinois Judges Association, judges across the state have been offering similar presentations aimed at addressing common misconceptions about the judicial system. Topics include judicial ethics, judicial independence and the judicial decision-making process. As Justice Rochford explained, “It's a very specific, deliberative process, not taking your own emotions or personal opinions and jumping to a conclusion that supports those." Additional topics include how judges are selected in Illinois and what people can expect when they are called to court as a juror, witness or party.

“I also think it's important for people to see who we are, that we're human and deeply committed to what we do. Helping people understand who we are and what we do builds transparency, and that transparency builds confidence."

Justice Rochford said another key focus is self-represented litigants and access to justice.

“It's become enormously expensive to retain counsel. The courts are working very hard to ensure access to justice for all people, especially those who are low-income or otherwise vulnerable," she said, noting resources such as Illinois Court Help, which provides guidance on navigating the court system. Justice Rochford added that access to justice can vary between rural and more populated areas but said there is a consistent statewide commitment to accessibility.

In Kane County, the Law Library and Self-Help Legal Center at the Kane County Judicial Center offers resources for individuals navigating the legal system, including free access to family law attorneys on select days. In partnership with local libraries and the Kane County Bar Association, the center also provides walk-in legal clinics where residents can speak with an attorney at no cost.

When asked to share a notable aspect of the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Rochford pointed to the court's diversity, noting it includes a four-woman majority, three Black justices and the state's first Asian American justice. She also highlighted the court's unique practice of residing in the Illinois Supreme Court Building in a dormitory-style setting for the duration of their court sessions in Springfield.

“We are the only State Supreme Court in the nation that does that, and it really lends itself to the court working collaboratively, collegially and respectfully," Justice Rochford said.

More information and registration for the May 5 event at the St. Charles Library featuring Justice Rochford is available at: https://scpld.libnet.info/event/15598719.

Additional details about the Illinois Judges Association's 'Invite a Judge' program can be found at: https://ija.org/invite-a-judge/.