Past Programming

Illinois Supreme Court Rules Limits on Medical Malpractice Awards Unconstitutional

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, along with a victim of medical malpractice, meet with reporters in the wake of the Illinois Supreme Court decision that overturned a law that placed limits on damages in medical malpractice cases. This law had limited non-economic damages to $500,000 for doctors and $1,000,000 for hospitals.

Video Courtesy of BlueRoomStream.com.

Recorded February 4, 2010.  Aired the week of February 8, 2010.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

People State of Illinois v. Eric Hanson

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: justices hear arguments in the case of People State of Illinois v. Eric Hanson, which concerns an appeal effort for a man convicted of murdering four members of his family in 2005.

Recorded January 12, 2010.  Aired the week of February 1, 2010.  1 hour.

Learning to Avoid Real Estate Foreclosure

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with John O'Brien, President of the Illinois State Bar Association and Founder & Chairman of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. Mr. O'Brien, whose law practice includes dealing with real estate foreclosure, talks with us about what steps individuals should take if they are in trouble with paying their mortgage.

For more information on the Illinois State Bar Association, click here.

For more information on the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, click here.

Recorded December 3, 2009.  Aired the week of January 18, 2010.  15 minutes.

Fighting for Civil Rights in the Law Profession

From the Illinois State Bar Association's Midyear Meeting in Chicago: a panel of attorneys known for fighting for civil rights discuss their experiences of working to stop the sex trade and racial discrimination, as well as supporting gay rights and putting an end to the death penalty.

For more information on the Illinois State Bar Association's Midyear Meeting, click here.

Recorded December 10, 2009.  Aired the week of January 11, 2010.  1 hour & 10 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald:

The Legacy of Lincoln as a Lawyer

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the Illinois State Bar Association's Midyear Meeting in Chicago: Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald talks about the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and his years as a practicing attorney in Illinois. Chief Justice Fitzgerald's remarks are delivered in the context of 2009 marking the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

For more information, click here.

Recorded December 11, 2009.  Aired the week of December 21, 2009.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: Case No. 107755

Mary Jacqueline Abrell v. John George Abrell

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Abrell v. Abrell. This case stems from a divorce case and raises the question of whether accrued paid vacation days should be included as part of a settlement of marital property.

Recorded September 23, 2009.  Aired the week of December 14, 2009.  50 minutes.

One Year Later: Encore Presentation of Press Conference Following Arrest of Former Governor Blagojevich

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Chicago: one year later, we air an encore presentation of the press conference in which U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald announces the arrest and charges against former governor Rod Blagojevich.

Video Courtesy of Jeff Berkowitz.

Recorded December 9, 2008.  Aired the week of December 14, 2009.  20 minutes.

Authors Scott Turow and John Grisham Discuss the Death Penalty and Wrongful Convictions

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Chicago: an encore presentation of best-selling authors and attorneys Scott Turow and John Grisham discussing their views on the use of the death penalty and how their views have changed over time. This discussion is moderated by Cornelia Grumman who was an editorial writer with the Chicago Tribune when this was recorded.

Recorded October 24, 2007.  Re-aired the week of November 23, 2009.  45 minutes.

Debate on Class-Action Lawsuits

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the Union League Club of Chicago: an encore presentation of our panel of distinguished attorneys discussing the use and potential abuse of class-action lawsuits. Participants include attorneys Stephen Swedlow and Stephen Tillery who discuss the benefits of using class-action suits. Attorneys Joseph Morris and Steven Puiszis discuss the disadvantages.

Recorded November 20, 2008.  Re-aired the week of November 23, 2009.  1 hour & 10 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Provena Covenant Medical Center v. The Illinois Department of Revenue

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Provena Covenant Medical Center v. The Illinois Department of Revenue.  This case concerns the tax-exempt status of an Illinois nonprofit hospital.  This case may affect other nonprofit hospitals in the state.

Recorded September 23, 2009.  Aired the week of October 5, 2009.  55 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Challenges to the Constitutionality of Illinois' Medical Malpractice Reform

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: as the nation discusses healthcare reform, one topic concerns medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors and hospitals.  Illinois passed its own version of medical malpractice reform which limits damages to $500,000 for doctors and $1,000,000 for hospitals.  The constitutionality of this law was challenged last November in the case of Lebron v Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.  As the Illinois Supreme Court has yet to rule on this case, we offer again the constitutional arguments as they were presented before the Illinois Supreme Court.

Recorded November 13, 2008.  Re-aired the week of September 28, 2009.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald:

Addressing Violence in Chicago

From the City Club of Chicago: U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald talks about what is behind the wave of violent crime in Chicago, the limits of law enforcement, and what business leaders and the community can do to help cut the growth in violent crime.

Video Courtesy of CAN TV, Chicago.

Recorded May 21, 2009.  Aired the week of June 8, 2009.  40 minutes.

CAPITOL INSIGHTS:

Carol Spizzirri, Making Online Stalking a Crime

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the State Capitol in Springfield: as the Spring legislative session nears its scheduled adjournment date of May 31, we hear from lawmakers on the progress on the budget and other pending issues.  In this segment, we hear from Carol Spizzirri, Founder of the Save A Life Foundation and a victim of online stalking, about the efforts to make online stalking a crime.

Recorded May 12, 2009.  Aired the week of May 18, 2009.  5 minutes.

Attorney & Author Philip Howard:

Life Without Lawyers

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the Union League Club in Chicago: attorney and author Philip Howard discusses his book Life Without Lawyers: Liberating Americans from Too Much Law.  Mr. Howard previously authored the best-seller The Death of Common Sense.  He is introduced by Ed Murnane of the Illinois Civil Justice League.

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 3, 2009.  Aired the week of April 13, 2009.  1 hour.

DuPage Co. State's Attorney Joe Birkett on Reforms to Fight Public Corruption

From Springfield: we talk one-on-one with DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett on the list of changes he is recommending to lawmakers that he says would aid law enforcement across the state.

Recorded March 2009.  Aired the week of April 6, 2009.  20 minutes.

Celebrating the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's Birth:

Abraham Lincoln's Lasting Legacy

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Peoria: Judge Ann Claire Williams discusses the legacy of Abraham Lincoln at an address at the Peoria County Bar Association's 101st Lincoln Memorial Banquet.

Recorded February 12, 2009.  Aired the week of March 2, 2009.  20 minutes.

Celebrating the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's Birth:

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Reenactment and the Structure of Lincoln's Arguments

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Chicago: as we approach the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, we hear a reenactment of an 1858 debate between Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.  Following that, we hear how Lincoln effectively structured his arguments in debates and speeches.

Recorded December 12, 2008.  Aired the week of January 26, 2009.  50 minutes.

Celebrating the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's Birth:

Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier on the Supreme Court in Lincoln's Time

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Chicago: Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier examines how times have changed as he delivers remarks on the Supreme Court during Lincoln's time.

Recorded December 12, 2008.  Aired the week of January 26, 2009.  20 minutes.

Celebrating the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's Birth:

Presentation of Bust of Lincoln to the Illinois Supreme Court

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: members of the Illinois State Bar Association present the Court with a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth.

Recorded January 12, 2009.  Aired the week of January 26, 2009.  20 minutes.

Gov. Blagojevich's Attorney Ed Genson

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: a portion of the briefing offered by Ed Genson, the attorney representing Governor Blagojevich.  He tells reporters why he feels the Special House Committee on Impeachment is unfair to the Governor.

Recorded December 17, 2008.  Aired the week of December 22, 2008.  5 minutes.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald Lays Out Charges Against Gov. Rod Blagojevich

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Chicago: the press conference in which U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald announces the arrest and charges against Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Video Courtesy of Jeff Berkowitz.

Recorded December 9, 2008.  Aired the week of December 15, 2008.  20 minutes.

Debate on Class-Action Lawsuits

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the Union League Club of Chicago: a distinguished panel of lawyers debate what they see as the merits and abuses of class-action lawsuits.  Attorneys Stephen Swedlow and Stephen Tillery defend the societal benefits of class-action lawsuits.  On the other side, attorneys Joseph Morris and Steve Puiszis examine what they see as class-action abuses.

Recorded November 20, 2008.  Aired the week of December 1, 2008.  1 hour & 10 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: Case No. 105752

Addison Insurance Company v. Donna Fay, etc., et al.

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: justices hear a case concerning whether an insurance company is required to make two separate liability payments in the 1997 death of two boys, or whether it can treat their deaths as one single "occurrence."

Recorded November 13, 2008.  Aired the week of November 24, 2008.  45 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Challenges to the Constitutionality of Illinois' Medical Malpractice Reform

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of LeBron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.  In 2005, the Illinois legislature passed a medical malpractice reform bill which placed limits - or caps - on the amount of non-economic damages that could be paid by a hospital or medical professional in a malpractice suit.  This case questions the constitutionality of a legislative body being able to place limits on damages that can be awarded by a court.

Recorded November 13, 2008.  Aired the week of November 17, 2008.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

The Lawsuit Halting Governor Blagojevich's Expansion of Medicaid

 Recorded October 7, 2008.  Aired the week of October 12, 2008.  25 minutes

A Review of Abraham Lincoln's Work as a Lawyer

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Mt. Vernon: in the one remaining courtroom where Abraham Lincoln argued cases, which remains a court to this day, historians discuss Lincoln's work as a lawyer.  Moderated by former Gov. Jim Edgar, this event is part of the bicentennial celebration of Lincoln's birth, which took place February 12, 1809.

Recorded September 18, 2008.  Aired the week of September 29, 2008.  1 hour.

Swearing in Ceremony of Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the swearing-in ceremony of Thomas Fitzgerald as Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.  

Recorded September 8, 2008.  Aired the week of September 22, 2008.  40 minutes.

Lawsuit for Failure to Fulfill Freedom of Information Act Request

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: a portion of a press conference held by Americans for Prosperity and Judicial Watch.  Group members discuss the lawsuits brought against Governor Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information Act request for documents.

Recorded July 31, 2008.  Aired the week of August 11, 2008.  15 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Robert L. Alderson et al. v. Leo E. Fatlan et al., etc.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Alderson et al. v. Fatlan et al., etc.  This case concerns whether landowners adjacent to a flooded quarry have any rights to its surface waters.

Recorded March 18, 2008.  Aired the week of June 23, 2008.  45 minutes.

Defending Trial Attorneys' Reputations

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Springfield: our one-on-one discussion with Stephen Tillery.  Mr. Tillery, a trial attorney, contends that the role of trial attorneys is often misrepresented in media coverage and the benefits they provide to consumers is often ignored.

Recorded May 15, 2008.  Aired the week of June 2, 2008.  23 minutes.

Illinois Law:

The Death Penalty in Illinois

From Champaign: a discussion of Illinois' Death Penalty.  A moratorium on the use of the Death Penalty in Illinois began under former Governor George Ryan and continues under the Blagojevich Administration.  But should it be re-activated?  Can it be applied fairly?  And does it help deter murders from happening?  These issues and others are all "on the table" for consideration.

Illinois Law comes to us courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV, Champaign.

Recorded 2008.  Aired the week of April 28, 2008.  30 minutes.

Using Modern Technology to Track Those that Violate Orders of Protection

From the State Capitol in Springfield: a press conference organized by relatives of a woman murdered March 7 in the Chicago area by a man that had stalked her for ten months.  The family members are joined by lawmakers who back a law which would allow judges to require individuals to wear a GPS tracking system if they have violated an order of protection.

Recorded April 2, 2008.  Aired the week of April 7, 2008.  30 minutes.

Illinois Law:

Psychiatry, the Law, and the Criminal Mind

From Champaign: a program in which a defense attorney, a prosecutor, and a psychiatrist discuss how the law handles those who use the insanity defense and others who are described as having a "criminal mindset."

Illinois Law comes to us courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV, Champaign.

Recorded 2007.  Aired the week of April 7, 2008.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

In re: Sophia G.L., a Minor v. John Lindeman

Case No. 104603

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Sophia G.L., a Minor v. John Lindeman.  This case concerns a child custody battle that pits not only parents and grandparents against one another, but also pits the courts of Indiana against the courts of Illinois as to who has jurisdiction to rule in this case.

Recorded March 18, 2008.  Aired the week of March 31, 2008.  50 minutes.

"Under the Dome: The Workings of Illinois State Government"

The Illinois Supreme Court

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: our one-on-one conversation with Justice Rita Garman on the workings of the Illinois Supreme Court.  Justice Garman tells us how the justices come to serve on the Court, how the cases they hear are selected, and what happens in the Chamber during oral arguments.

This program is underwritten by a grant from AT&T.

Recorded 2007.  Aired the week of March 31, 2008.  25 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Morr-Fitz, Inc. v. Rod R. Blagojevich

Case No. 104692

From the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Morr-Fitz, Inc. v. Rod R. Blagojevich.  This case concerns whether a state mandate that pharmacists dispense the "Morning After" contraception pill violates pharmacists' First Amendment religious rights.

Recorded March 18, 2008.  Aired the week of March 24, 2008.  55 minutes.

Recalling the Legacy of Amos P. Scruggs

From Champaign: we recognize Black History Month by airing a discussion on the legacy of Amos P. Scruggs, who in 1907 was the first African-American to graduate from the University of Illinois College of Law.  This discussion, which is part of the College of Law's Illinois Law series, features Dennis Archer, the former mayor of Detroit and a former Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.

Illinois Law comes to us courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV, Champaign.

Recorded Spring 2007.  Aired the week of February 11, 2008.  30 minutes.

Authors Scott Turow and John Grisham Discuss the Death Penalty and Wrongful Convictions

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

The Illinois Channel's coverage of this program is underwritten by Reed Smith LLP.

Recorded October 24, 2007.  Aired the week of November 19, 2007.  45 minutes.

Illinois Law:

Illinois Budget Battles

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign: a discussion on the issues and personalities behind the recent budget battle in Illinois state government.  The discussion includes comments from former Republican Senator Rick Winkel of Urbana and his Democratic replacement, Senator Mike Frerichs.  Illinois Law comes to us courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV, Champaign.

Recorded September 2007.  Aired the week of October 15, 2007.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Karas, etc. v. Strevell, et al.

From the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Karas, etc. v. Strevell, et al.  In this case, the Justices are being asked to decide whether a player injured in an organized hockey contest can sue for damages against those who delivered a prohibited body check from behind.

Recorded September 20, 2007.  Aired the week of October 15, 2007.  50 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Doe v. Dilling, et al.

From the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Jane Doe v. Dilling, et al.  This case concerns whether there was fraudulent misrepresentation of a health issue.  The suit involves a Jane Doe who contracted the HIV virus from her fiancé.  Jane Doe alleges misrepresentation of her fiancé's health status by both her fiancé, who died from AIDS, and his parents.

Recorded September 20, 2007.  Aired the week of October 8, 2007.  50 minutes.

Illinois Law:

The Process of Serving on a Jury

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign: legal experts discuss the rights and responsibilities of citizens who are selected to serve on a jury.  Illinois Law comes to us courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV, Champaign.

Recorded Spring 2007.  Aired the week of September 24, 2007.  30 minutes.

Consumer Understanding of the Illinois Court System

This program is underwritten in-part by the Illinois Civil Justice League.

Recorded April 10, 2007.  Aired the week of September 24, 2007.  1 hour.

Legal Support for Members of the Military

From the John Marshall Law School in Chicago: Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Fitzgerald and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth join with others to discuss a new initiative designed to provide legal support for military veterans.

Recorded September 5, 2007.  Aired the week of September 17, 2007.  25 minutes.

Dowling v. Chicago Options Associates, Inc., et al

Case No. 102578

Click here to read the Illinois Supreme Court's decision on this case.

Recorded January 11, 2007.  Aired the week of September 17, 2007.  50 minutes.

Improving the Illinois Court System

This program is underwritten in-part by the Illinois Civil Justice League.

Recorded April 10, 2007.  Aired the week of July 23, 2007.  50 minutes.

Illinois Law:

Military Tribunals

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign: a number of legal questions have arisen from the war against terrorism, including whether those captured on the battlefield should be tried in American courts or by military tribunals.  This Illinois Law program, produced by the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV, Champaign, examines the military tribunal process.

Recorded Spring 2007.  Aired the week of July 16, 2007.  30 minutes.

Judicial Selection Process

This program is underwritten in-part by the Illinois Civil Justice League.

Recorded April 10, 2007.  Aired the week of July 9, 2007.  1 hour.

Hon. Rita Garman:

Illinois Supreme Court Justice

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

To read a text copy of Justice Garman's address, click here.

This program is underwritten in-part by the Illinois Civil Justice League.

Recorded April 10, 2007.  Aired the week of June 25, 2007.  25 minutes.

Memorial Service for Justice Seymour Simon

From the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield: former Supreme Court Justice Mary Ann McMorrow, Attorney John Simon, and Author Scott Turow recall the life and public service of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Seymour Simon.  Justice Simon, who passed away September 26, 2006, served on the Illinois Supreme Court from 1980 - 1988.

Recorded May 23, 2007.  Aired the week of June 11, 2007.  1 hour.

Opposition to House Bill 1500

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we speak with Terry Miller, an attorney with the city of Naperville and opponent of House Bill 1500, who questions some of the assertions made by the bill's supporters.

Recorded February 22, 2007.  Aired the week of February 26, 2007.  5 minutes.

Law School Loan Payments for Public Service

From the State Library in Springfield: Senator Dick Durbin explains his legislation that would pay the debt owed on law school loans for those attorneys who go to work in the criminal justice system.  We also hear Senator Durbin comment on Senator Obama's run for the White House and what he says to those who say Senator Obama does not have enough experience to be President.

Recorded February 3, 2007.  Aired the week of February 12, 2007.  25 minutes.

Illinois Law:

Divorce and Custody Issues

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana: judges and legal experts discuss trends in divorce proceedings and custody cases.

Recorded Spring 2006.  Aired the week of February 5, 2007.  25 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Mulay v. Mulay

From the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Mulay v. Mulay.  This case concerns the question of whether grandparents should be granted visitation rights with their grandchildren, despite the objection of the children's parent.

Recorded January 11, 2007.  Aired the week of February 5, 2007.  1 hour.

Legal Issues Facing the Medical Profession

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana: legal experts discuss current issues impacting the medical community.  Included in the discussion is the effect of Medical Malpractice Reform and the proposal to have nonprofit hospitals provide eight-percent of their revenues to charity care.

Recorded Spring 2006.  Aired the week of January 8, 2007.  25 minutes.

Major Cases Before the U.S. Supreme Court

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana: a panel discussion of some of the more significant cases that will be considered by the United States Supreme Court during this term.

Recorded October 10, 2006.  Aired the week of January 1, 2007.  30 minutes.

The Crisis of Wrongful Conviction

From the University of Illinois at Springfield: Peter Neufeld, co-founder of the National Innocence Project, discusses his organization's ongoing efforts to gain freedom for those wrongfully convicted of crimes.  This organization's efforts led to former Governor George Ryan's moratorium on the use of the death penalty in Illinois, after it was shown that a number of those on Illinois' Death Row were innocent.

Recorded November 28, 2006.  Aired the week of December 4, 2006.  1 hour.

Impact of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald on Illinois Government

From the Union League Club of Chicago: Former Senator Peter Fitzgerald discusses his having Patrick Fitzgerald appointed as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.  At the time the appointment was made, many were critical of Senator Fitzgerald for having an attorney appointed from outside Illinois.  Since his appointment, Patrick Fitzgerald has engaged in a number of high-profile investigations and indictments of Illinois political figures, including former Governor George Ryan.

Recorded November 9, 2006.  Aired the week of November 27, 2006.  35 minutes.

Medical Malpractice Reform After One Year

From Chicago: a review of the impact of the Medical Malpractice Reform Bill one year after it went into effect.  We hear from two leaders who were on either side of the Bill's passage: Ed Murnane, President of the Illinois Civil Justice League, who favored Medical Malpractice Reform; and Keith Hebeisen, Past President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, who opposed the Bill's passage.

Recorded September 29, 2006.  Aired the week of November 13, 2006.  45 minutes.

Open Meetings Act in the Electronic Age

From the Illinois Municipal League Conference in Chicago: a panel discussion on the "Open Meetings Act in the Electronics Age."  Under the Open Meetings Act, a gathering of a majority of a City Board constitutes a public meeting.  But does the sharing of email or the use of other technology violate the Open Meetings Act?  That is the issue at hand in this panel discussion of city officials and legal experts who attended the Illinois Municipal League's Annual Conference.

Recorded September 29, 2006.  Aired the week of November 6, 2006.  1 hour.

The Legal Boundaries of Civil Service Jobs & Patronage Appointments

From Springfield: Attorney Mary Lee Leahy, who argued the case of Rutan v. the Republican Party of Illinois before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1990, discusses the employment rights of state government workers and how Rutan applies today.

This program is underwritten in part by the Center for State Policy & Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield and the Institute of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Illinois.

Recorded September 19, 2006.  Aired the week of September 25, 2006.  45 minutes.

Journalism Ethics

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana: legal experts discuss the ethics of journalism.  We hear discussions on print ethics, broadcast ethics, and other issues facing journalists as technology quickens the pace of reporting.  This program is courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV.

Recorded Spring 2006.  Aired the week of July 31, 2006.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Ann McMorrow:

Reflections on an Historic Legal Career

From Chicago: our one-on-one conversation with retiring Supreme Court Justice Mary Ann McMorrow.  Justice McMorrow established a number of "firsts" within her career: she was the first woman to prosecute felonies in Cook County, the first elected to the Illinois Supreme Court, the first woman to serve as Chief Justice, and the first woman in Illinois history to lead one of the three branches of state government.  We speak with her about her historic career, the courts in Illinois, and the evolving role of women in the legal profession.

Recorded June 27, 2006.  Aired the week of July 3, 2006.  40 minutes.

Wiretapping, Terrorism, and Private Lives

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana: a discussion on the balance between fighting terrorism and maintaining Civil Liberties.  This program is courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV.

Recorded Spring 2006.  Aired the week of July 3, 2006.  30 minutes.

Caring for the Aging

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana: a look at three issues affecting caring for the aging.  We hear about the cost and planning needed to secure long-term care, the impact of Medicare Part D, the new federal entitlement for pharmaceutical drugs, and pension insecurity.  This program is courtesy of the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV.

Recorded Spring 2006.  Aired the week of June 26, 2006.  30 minutes.

Judges and the Judicial Process

From the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana: a discussion of several issues relating to judges, including what makes for a good judge and whether Illinois should continue to elect judges to the state Supreme Court.  This program is one in a series entitled, "Illinois Law," which is produced jointly by the University of Illinois College of Law and WCIA-TV.

Recorded Spring 2006.  Aired the week of June 12, 2006.  25 minutes.

Update on Medical Malpractice Reform

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Northern Illinois University in DeKalb: the U.S. Senate will soon debate Medical Malpractice Reform, a topic of heated debate in Illinois last year.  Keith Hebeisen, current President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, offers his analysis of Medical Malpractice Reform one-year after it was passed in the Illinois Legislature.

Recorded April 13, 2006.  Aired the week of May 1, 2006.  30 minutes.

Planning Your Estate to Avoid Undue Taxes

From Springfield: Planning for the inevitable.  When someone dies, state taxes and court costs can take a large part of the individual’s estate.  We talk with Estate-Planning Attorney James Lestikow about what happens when one dies without a plan and what you can do to plan ahead to avoid undue taxes and ensure the money in your estate is dispersed according to your wishes.

Recorded January 20, 2006.  Aired the week of April 24, 2006.  25 minutes.

The Use of Eminent Domain

From the Illinois Municipal League Conference in Chicago: a review of the use of Eminent Domain in Illinois.  This panel discussion reviews the use of this governmental power in light of the recent Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London, Connecticut.  This panel was part of the Illinois Municipal League's annual conference.

Recorded September 23, 2005.  Aired the week of March 20, 2006.  1 hour & 30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Fernando Corral, Jr. v. Mervis Industries, Inc.

To read the Court's opinion on this case, click here.

Recorded May 19, 2005.  Aired the week of March 20, 2006.  30 minutes.

Supreme Court Justice Mary Ann McMorrow:

Opportunities for Women in the Legal Profession

From Southern Illinois University in Carbondale: former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Ann McMorrow speaks on the opportunities for women in the legal profession.  Justice McMorrow is the first woman to serve on the state Supreme Court as well as the first woman to serve as Chief Justice.  She shares insights into her career and how the perception of women in the legal profession has changed since she graduated from law school.

Recorded September 23, 2005.  Aired the week of March 13, 2006.  40 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

People of the State of Illinois v. Enice Lyles, Jr.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Enice Lyles, Jr.  This case concerns the issue of whether an appeal of a conviction can be heard if the appeal was made after a filing deadline had passed.

Recorded September 13, 2005.  Aired the week of January 9, 2006.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

People of the State of Illinois v. Christopher Jordan

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Christopher Jordan.  This case concerns issues arising from a parent leaving an infant in a car for a period of time while the parent ran into a store on an errand.

Recorded November 15, 2005.  Aired the week of January 2, 2006.  20 minutes.

Chief Justice Thomas' Address to the Illinois State Bar Association

From Chicago: Robert Thomas, Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, recounts his career path from a player on the 1973 Notre Dame football team, to a place kicker for the Chicago Bears, to becoming a member of the Illinois Supreme Court.  Chief Justice Thomas tells how the triumphs and disappointments in sports held lessons he could apply to his legal career. The Chief Justice delivered his remarks before a gathering of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Recorded December 9, 2005.  Aired the week of December 18, 2005.  40 minutes.

Capital Punishment Reform in Illinois

From the Union League Club in Chicago: Rob Warden, Executive Director of the Northwestern University School of Law's Center on Wrongful Convictions, discusses death penalty reform.

Recorded November 3, 2005.  Aired the week of December 4, 2005.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

People of the State of Illinois v. Richard Morris

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Richard Morris.  This case concerns a car hijacking and murder that occurred in December, 1995.  The defendant in this case was convicted and sentenced to death.

Recorded November 15, 2005.  Aired the week of December 4, 2005.  35 minutes.

Reviewing the Use of Eminent Domain

From the 2005 Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference in Chicago: Attorney Brian Martin tells members of the Illinois Municipal League why a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling may require the Illinois legislature to reexamine the use of eminent domain powers by local governments.

Recorded September 23, 2005.  Aired the week of November 27, 2005.  15 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Christopher K., A Minor

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Christopher K., a minor.  This case concerns issues stemming from the 1999 murder of a 16-year-old and how the state applies the punishment to the defendant, who was a minor when the crime was committed.

Recorded September 13, 2005.  Aired the week of November 20, 2005.  50 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

People of the State of Illinois v. J.T., A Minor

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield:  the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. J.T., A Minor.  This case concerns several legal issues, including whether the defendant should have been allowed to withdraw his admission to criminal damage to property, and whether the trial court erred when it sentenced the minor to the Department of Corrections.

Recorded September 13,  2005.  Aired the week of October 23, 2005.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Sutherland

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Sutherland.  This case concerns issues arising, in part, from the original investigation into the 1987 rape and murder of a ten-year-old girl.  Other issues concern some of the proceedings of the defendant's trials and convictions in lower courts.  Please note, portions of this testimony reflect the violent nature of the murder.

Recorded September 13, 2005.  Aired the week of September 18, 2005.  1 hour.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Palmer

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Palmer.  This case involves questions concerning the application of punishment following the defendant's conviction on a series of criminal charges.

Recorded May 10, 2005.  Aired the week of September 11, 2005.  30 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

Northern Illinois Emergency Physicians v. Landau, Omahana & Kopka, Ltd.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Northern Illinois Emergency Physicians, etc., et al., v. Landau, Omahana & Kopka, Ltd., etc., et al.  This case involves issues arising from lawsuits alleging legal and medical malpractice.

Recorded May 11, 2005.  Aired the week of August 28, 2005.  45 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Ricky Patterson

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Illinois v. Ricky Patterson.  Among the legal issues under review is whether a witness' testimony from a Grand Jury is admissible as evidence after that witness asserted her Fifth Amendment rights.

Recorded May 11, 2005.  Aired the week of August 14, 2005.  40 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: Alvarado v. The Industrial Commission

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield:  the case of Alvarado v. The Industrial Commission.  This case concerns the a dispute regarding the awarding of attorney's fees from a worker's compensation case.

Recorded May 11, 2005.  Aired the Week of July 31, 2005.  45 minutes.

Supreme Court Vacancy

From Springfield: Senator Dick Durbin (D) meets with reporters to discuss the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court following the resignation of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Recorded July 10, 2005.  Aired the week of July 17, 2005.  15 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Robinson

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Emmanuel Robinson.  This case concerns whether or not a court clerk's clerical error should invalidate a judicial ruling.

Recorded May 10, 2005.  Aired the week of June 26, 2005.  35 minutes.

The Constitutionality of Caps on Medical Malpractice Awards

From Chicago: one of the most significant pieces of legislation to pass in the Spring 2005 session was the Medical Malpractice bill.  This bill set limits, or caps, on non-economic damage awards.  The limits were supported by the medical community, but opposed by trial lawyers, among other groups.  In this program, we discuss this bill and get the trial lawyers' perspective from Keith Hebeisen, President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Recorded June 14, 2005.  Aired the week of June 19, 2005.  45 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: U.S. Bank v. Peters

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of U.S. Bank National Association, et al, v. Iris Peters, et al.  This case concerns the Illinois Interest Act and the amount of fees that can be charged by a lender on mortgage loans which exceed 8%.  The Court must also decide if Federal law overrules any regulations Illinois may set regarding interest charges on loans.

Recorded May 11, 2005.  Aired the week of June 19, 2005.  40 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: Crusius v. Illinois Gaming Board

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of Crusius v. Illinois Gaming Board.  In 1999, Emerald Casino applied for renewal and relocation of its riverboat gaming license.  Emerald Casino sought to move its gaming license from East Dubuque, Illinois to Rosemont, Illinois.  In 2001, the Illinois Gaming Board denied Emerald's renewal and relocation application.  At issue in this case is the constitutionality of a section of the Riverboat Gambling Act and if the state's gaming board has an option as to whether they can, or must, renew a gaming license.

Recorded May 11, 2005.  Aired the week of June 12, 2005.  1 hour.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Atkins

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Atkins.  This case involves the conviction of an individual for burglary overturned by the Appellate Court.  The State is appealing the reversal.

Recorded May 10, 2005.  Aired the week of June 5, 2005.  23 minutes.

Illinois State Chamber of Commerce v. John Filan

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce v. John Filan.  As compared to general taxes, which finance general government operations, government fees are imposed to finance specific government operations.  Such fees may include drivers or fishing licenses.  In this case, the Illinois Chamber brought suit against State Budget Director John Filan, alleging that certain business fees were raised far in excess of the amount needed to fund a specific government service.

Recorded May 19, 2005.  Aired the week of May 29, 2005.  57 minutes.

Supervision Lengthened for Sexual Offenders

From the State Capitol: a portion of a press conference in which Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses new legislation that could lead to lifetime supervision of those convicted of a sexual offense.

Recorded May 16, 2005. Aired the week of May 22, 2005.  5 minutes.

Lawyer v. Lawyer: Medical Malpractice

Recorded May 17, 2005.  Aired the week of May 22, 2005.  1 hour.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Michael Hall

From the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People v. Michael Hall.  This case concerns whether the state's labeling of a kidnapping defendant as a "sexual offender" was appropriate if no sex act was involved in the defendant's alleged criminal action.

Recorded May 10, 2005.  Aired the week of May 15, 2005.  30 minutes.

Lincoln and Civil Liberties

From Knox College in Galesburg: Frank Williams, Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and noted Lincoln scholar, presents a speech entitled Lincoln and Civil Liberties.  Williams examines similarities between legal questions that arose in the Civil War to those now arising from the fighting in Iraq and the war on terrorism.

Recorded March 25, 2005.  Aired the week of April 17, 2005.  50 minutes.

Criminal Court System in Today's Society

From Chicago: a presentation on the impact of the criminal court system on society.  We will hear from the Honorable Paul P. Biebel, Jr., Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Criminal Division.

Recorded March 22, 2005.  Aired the week of April 3, 2005.  45 minutes.

Senate Judiciary Committee

From Springfield: medical malpractice reform was also on the legislative agenda in Springfield.  One bill backed by portions of the medical community is Senate Bill 150.  It was scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee and was one of several issues brought up during this hearing.

Recorded March 15, 2005.  Aired the week of March 20, 2005.  30 minutes.

U.S. Supreme Court: Separation of Church and State

From Washington, DC: the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case questioning the proper balance between Church and State.  We hear reactions to the case from attorneys who argued before the Court and from Northwestern University Law Students, who were invited to see the case presented.

Recorded March 3, 2005.  Aired the week of March 6, 2005.  8 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Detra W.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: a case involving the parental rights of a former felon, Detra W., who now seeks to reassert her rights as her child's mother.  She lost custody of her child while incarcerated.

Recorded November 10, 2004.  Aired the week of December 19, 2004.  50 minutes.

Swearing-In Ceremony of Justice Lloyd Karmeier

From Springfield: We will go inside the Supreme Court Chamber for the Swearing-In Ceremony of the Court's newest member, Justice Lloyd Karmeier of the Fifth Judicial District of Illinois.

Recorded December 6, 2004.  Aired the week of December 12, 2004.  60 minutes.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan

From Chicago: Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses recent initiatives handled by her office, including her recent argument of a Fourth Amendment case before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC.  In 2002, Attorney General Madigan became the first woman elected to serve as Illinois Attorney General.

Recorded November 16, 2004.  Aired the week of December 5, 2004.  40 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court: People v. Collins

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Gregory Collins.  This case concerns issues the state must prove prior to convicting an individual of the reckless discharge of a firearm.

Recorded November 10, 2004.  Aired the week of November 28, 2004.  45 minutes.

Supreme Court Decisions on Handgun Nuisance Suits

From Springfield: a follow-up on Supreme Court Case, Chicago v. Beretta, and a similar suit which we aired last year.  The Supreme Court recently issued decisions in the cases.  Dan Vock of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin comments on the decisions and the issues involved.

Recorded November 18, 2004.  Aired the week of November 28, 2004.  7 minutes.

U.S. Supreme Court: Illinois v. Caballes

From Washington, DC: Attorney General Lisa Madigan comments on the case Illinois v. Caballes and the Fourth Amendment issues involved.

Recorded November 10, 2004.  Aired the week of November 21, 2004.  10 minutes.

Price v. Philip Morris

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: The Illinois Supreme Court hears the case of Price v. Philip Morris.  This is a $10.1 billion class-action lawsuit brought against the Philip Morris tobacco company.

For more information about this case, visit the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin at http://www.lawbulletin.com/tobacco_article.htm

Recorded November 10, 2004.  Aired the week of November 14, 2004.  80 minutes.

Illinois Trial Lawyers on Medical Malpractice

From Chicago: The President and the President-Elect of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) sit down with the Illinois Channel's Executive Director, Terry Martin, for an interview about the ITLA's stance on medical malpractice issues.

Recorded September 17, 2004.  Aired the week of October 3, 2004.

Brown v. Board of Education

From Evanston: Juan Williams presents the program, “Brown versus the Board of Education: 50 Years Later.”  Mr. Williams discusses race relations in the United States 50 years after the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision declaring that separate but equal schools were not equal at all.  Mr. Williams is a senior correspondent for National Public Radio and a political analyst for Fox News.  He is also the author of the critically acclaimed biography, “Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary,” which this year has been reissued with a new epilogue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Brown decision.

Recorded February 16, 2004.  Aired the week of July 18, 2004.  70 minutes.

Civil Rights Milestone Remembered

From the John Marshall Law School in Chicago: A panel discussion on Escobedo v Illinois. On June 22, 1964 the US Supreme Court issued its decision on Escobedo v. Illinois, which recognized the right of a suspect in police custody to have counsel present. 

"We hold only that when the process shifts from investigatory to accusatory and its purpose is to elicit a confession-- our adversary system begins to operate, and, under the circumstances here, the accused must be permitted to consult with his lawyer."  US Supreme Court in Escobedo, 1964

This case led to the Miranda decision in 1966.  In this panel discussion, a number of the actual participants recall the legal climate leading up to the decision, and discuss the impact it had on criminal law.  In 1964, a young attorney by the name of Jim Thompson represented the state before the US Supreme Court.  Though he lost the case, he later achieved some prominence within state government.

Recorded April 2004.  Aired the week of June 13, 2004.  1 hour and 20 minutes.

The Case of Arvia v. Ryan

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: We view the case of Arvia v. Ryan.  This case deals with drivers license suspensions.

Recorded January 22, 2004.  Aired the week of April 4, 2004.  30 minutes.

When is a Pay Increase a Pay Raise?

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: Governor Rod Blagojevich vetoed a scheduled cost of living increase for Illinois judges.  Judge Ann Jorgensen challenged that veto based on the constitution's prohibition against the governor cutting the salaries of judges.  This is meant to protect the judiciary from political or financial pressure by the executive branch.  But is a cost of living adjustment (COLA) the same as a pay raise, as the governor contends, or part of the judges regular salary that cannot be cut by a governor?  This is the constitutional question argued under Jorgensen v. Blagojevich.

Recorded March 17, 2004.  Aired the week of March 22, 2004.  1 hour.

Attorney-General Lisa Madigan

From Springfield: Now in office for 13 months as the Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan talks about her approach to fighting consumer fraud, registering sexual offenders, and pushing for new legislation to keep the law current with a growing wave of Internet based crimes.

Recorded February 18, 2004.  Aired the week of February 23, 2004.

Illinois Supreme Court: "Pay-Day" Loan Regulations

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: Former Governor Jim Thompson argues before the Illinois Supreme Court on behalf of South 51 Development Corporation.  Thompson argued that limits placed on "pay-day" loans in a bill passed by the legislature were unconstitutional.

Recorded January 22, 2004.  Aired the week of February 1, 2004.  51 minutes.

Death Penalty Commutations

From Chicago: On January 23, 2004 the Illinois Supreme Court found that former Gov. George Ryan's commutations of all those serving on Death Row were constitutional.  These commutations had been challenged by Attorney General, Lisa Madigan.  In light of the recent ruling, we re-air Gov. Ryan's thoughts on the use of the Death Penalty and his defense of his commutations.  Gov. Ryan made his remarks during a panel discussion on the death penalty at the NAACP's state conference held last October.

Recorded October 3, 2003.  Re-Aired the week of February 1, 2004.  1 hour and 5 minutes.

Supreme Court: Jury Instructions

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: We hear the case of Illinois v. Hopp.  The case concerns the question of whether a lower court erred when giving the jury instructions during a first-degree murder case, by not providing them with the legal definition of first-degree murder.

Recorded in September 16, 2003.  Aired the week of January 4, 2004.  32 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

People of the State of Illinois v. Cookson

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: In the case of the People v Cookson, the Illinois Supreme Court considers the issue of whether the lower court erred in not allowing certain evidence to be introduced.

Recorded September 16, 2003  Aired the week of November 23, 2003.  40 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court Oral Arguments Challenging Death Penalty Commutations

UPDATE: On January 23, 2004 the Court ruled against the Attorney General's position and allowed Governor Ryan's commutations to stand.  Writing for the Court Majority, Justice Bob Thomas said, "We believe the that the grant of authority given the Governor is sufficiently broad to allow former Governor Ryan to do what he did."

Recorded September 16, 2003.  Aired the week of September 28, 2003.  95 minutes.

Stephen Young et al., v. Bryco Arms -- Concerning the Illegal Use of Hand Guns

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: We televise the case of Stephen Young, et al., v. Bryco Arms, et al.  The case concerns several legal issues involving the illegal use of hand guns.

Recorded September 9, 2003.  Aired the week of September 14, 2003.  75 minutes.

City of Chicago v. Beretta -- Concerning the Illegal Use of Hand Guns  

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: The Supreme Court hears whether nuisance laws can be applied to the manufacture, distribution and sale of firearms.

Recorded August 26,  2003.  Aired the week of August 31, 2003.  90 minutes.

The Case of the State of Illinois v. Pinkonsly

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: Assistant Attorney General Mark Josephson makes the case for the people in the case of Illinois v Pinkonsly.

Recorded May 14, 2003.  Aired the week of June 8, 2003.  45 minutes.

The Case of the People of the State of Illinois v. Hanna, et al.

Recorded May 14, 2003.  Aired the week of May 25, 2003.  25 minutes.

The Case of Michael Avery, et al., v. State Farm

Recorded May 14, 2003.  Aired the week of May 18, 2003.  Re-Aired the week of August 1, 2004.  70 minutes.

Rob Warden on Wrongful Convictions

Recorded May 6, 2003.  Aired the week of May 14, 2003.  20 minutes.

Legal Reporter Dan Volk on the Madison County Suit Against Philip Morris

Recorded April 3, 2003.  Aired the week of April 6, 2003.  10 minutes.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan at the United States Supreme Court in Washington

Recorded March 3, 2003.  15 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Ann McMorrow

Chief Justice Mary Ann McMorrow’s Swearing-In Ceremony

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: Justice Mary Ann McMorrow is takes the oath of office as the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.  Justice Mary Ann McMorrow was the first woman to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.  She becomes Illinois’ 115th Chief Justice and the first woman to serve in that capacity.  Justice McMorrow replaces former Chief Justice Moses Harrison, who retired from the court at the end of a ten-year term.

Recorded September 9, 2002.

Memorial Service for Illinois Supreme Court Justices Michael Bilandic and William Clark

From Springfield: Former Illinois Supreme Court Justices Michael Bilandic and William Clark are remembered at this memorial service held at the Illinois Supreme Court.

Justice William G. Clark served as Illinois Attorney General from 1961-1969 before serving 16 years on the Illinois Supreme Court.  Justice Clark died August 17, 2001, at age 77.

Former Chief Justice Michael A. Bilandic served as Mayor of Chicago from 1976-1979.  In 1990, he was elected to a ten-year term on the Illinois Supreme Court.  He became Chief Justice in 1994. Justice Bilandic died January 15, 2002.  He was 78.

Recorded May 22, 2002.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: Do Illinois private citizens have the right to sue public officials while they hold office, or is that solely the purview of the state Attorney General?  The Illinois Supreme Court hears the oral arguments on this issue in the case of Michael Lyons et al., v. George H. Ryan. Governor Ryan is represented in this case by former Governor James R. Thompson.

Recorded May 21, 2002.  55 minutes.

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: In 2002, Illinois legislative and congressional candidates are running in newly redrawn districts. This is due to the legislative district map being redrawn following the 2000 census. The impact of the new legislative map has already been felt, as some incumbent candidates lost their seat to a primary challenger.  For voters, it may mean having a new representative in Springfield and in Washington.  The newly redrawn maps may also result in a turnover of political control in the Illinois Senate in the November election.

In this historic case, we see the gavel-to-gavel arguments presented before the Illinois Supreme Court last November as to whether the newly drawn legislative map was constitutional.

Recorded November 21, 2001.  55 minutes.

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