Successes in Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court
The response to the global pandemic has forever changed the way courts operate.
Courthouses were forced to shut their doors to in person appearances and proceedings were moved online, jury trials were delayed and courthouse staff worked remotely.
As court systems began to emerge from Covid-19 restrictions, some of the initial modifications used to prevent the spread of the virus have continued, becoming the “new" normal in court proceedings.
The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, located in Kane County, has released its annual report highlighting the post pandemic changes to its operations, including the continued use of hybrid court calls and the addition of two new technological advanced courtrooms.
“Staying on the cutting edge of technology will be essential for success and several important steps were taken in 2022 to keep the Sixteenth Circuit moving forward," said Circuit Chief Judge Clint Hull.
The report also showcases the behind the scenes work to prepare for the implementation of the SAFE-T Act, the use of problem-solving courts to treat individuals as an alternative to incarceration, ongoing outreach programs to build the public confidence and assistance available at the self-help legal center inside the Kane County Law Library.
Coming in 2023, the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit will be launching an online dispute resolution program. The Family Division will undergo renovations to improve services for those seeking Orders of Protection and Sixteenth Circuit Court facilities will undergo a multi-million-dollar technology upgrade.
“Moving forward, our focus will remain on increasing the public trust and understanding of our justice system, on workforce excellence, implementing justice reforms passed by lawmakers and plans to address the space needs of our court system," said Hull.
A copy of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court 2022 Annual Report can be found here.
