I am an optimist. But even I must admit, these are fraught times for our legal system and for judges. It chills me to hear discussion of the withering of confidence in courts. A NCSC survey found that state courts are the most trusted judicial institution, but only 61% of respondents had great, or even some, confidence in the courts. On an academic scale, that is a solid and disappointing D minus!
Perhaps more concerning, an informal study by the National Judicial College in 2024 revealed that the public’s dismal view of courts has dramatically impacted morale on the bench.
Why is this important?
Illinois’ renowned expert on judicial ethics, Ray McKoski, wrote,
“Our democracy survives only because the public trusts the legal system. Judges symbolize the system of justice and its essential components of independence, integrity, and impartiality. This confidence in the administration of justice is synonymous with confidence in judges.”
So, confidence in judges translates directly to the public perception of the legal system, which is in turn essential to the survival of democracy! That is one enormous responsibility in our hands.
To establish transparency, increase confidence in the courts, and build morale among our ranks, judges need to build a bridge from courthouse to community across Illinois. This theme captures our mission to deepen connections between the judiciary and the diverse communities we serve—from classrooms to civic halls and neighborhood centers.
Sending judges out of the courtroom can spark instinctive concerns about ethics. The Judicial Ethics Committee assures us that making presentations about our legal system to community groups like Rotaries, PTOs, and League of Women Voters is
allowed. Ray McKoski advises that informal, non-adversarial communications outside the
stress of the courtroom are not only permitted but enthusiastically supported by the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct.
Under the leadership of co-chairs Dan Jasica and Cecilia Horan, our Media Committee has developed talking points for judges on a variety of issues. Among them: How Judges Become Judges; Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct; Judicial Independence; Judicial Decision Making; Fun Facts About our Supreme Court; and What To Expect When You Come to Court, and more!
Our Educational Programming Committee led by Clare Quish and Jenny Johnson is developing video tips on how to give an effective speech and respond to questions, among other topics.
I will be visiting all 25 Circuit Courts in the state to meet judges in their own professional environment, encouraging them to join this initiative. My spirit is buoyed to think of us wading into our neighborhoods with valuable messages about the work of our courts. We will build community confidence, enhance the well-being of our judges, and save democracy too!
This moment reminds me of the valuable benefits of membership in this club of 1,300 colleagues across our state. The IJA provides guidance, purpose, inspiration, and collegiality, confirming that my optimism is well-founded.
Thank you for trusting me with this important position of leadership. We have an ambitious and exciting journey ahead. I am proud and grateful to be in your company along the way.
ONWARD!