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Welcome from the Chief Justice
Dear Citizen,
Thank you for your interest in the Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau. As a community leader, family member or
fellow citizen, you may have questions about how the judicial system works in Illinois.
The Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau was designed to educate citizens about the critical roles played by judges
and the courts in everyday life. Through the Bureau, judges and other court personnel are available to speak to your group or
organization on a variety of topics.
Cook County is the seat of the largest unified court system in the world. The Cook County Circuit Court
encompasses many specialized courts, such as the probate courts, family or juvenile courts, traffic courts, criminal courts, drug
courts and many others. Although contrary to public perception, conducting trials is an important function of the judiciary, it is
not the sole function. The judicial system affects society in many very meaningful ways.
Please take a few moments and look over this brochure; it addresses many questions you may have about what the
Speakers Bureau has to offer. If you have additional questions, or would like to request a speaker, contact the Supreme Court’s
press office at (312) 793-0870.
I am committed to educating citizens about our judiciary, and its role in your community. The Speakers Bureau is a
wonderful resource, and I encourage you to take advantage of it. Our court system belongs to you, the citizens of Illinois. We look
forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Kilbride
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Illinois
General Information
The Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau was established by the Illinois
Supreme Court and the Illinois Judges Association to increase awareness of
our judicial system and its role in the community. By enabling
community groups to hear directly from judges and other court officials, it
is hoped that citizens can better appreciate the judicial system and its
function in a democracy.
The
Speakers Bureau, which is composed of justices, judges and courtroom
personnel statewide, will help arrange for a speaker. You should
know that our speakers are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct and are
unable to address certain matters, such as pending litigation.
All
presentations are voluntary by the judges with no cost to the community.
The
Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau looks forward to working with your
organization.
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How It Works
A representative of the requesting group may fill out the form and fax or
mail it to the press office of the Illinois Supreme Court, in care of Dawn
Frison Cook. You will then be given the name and number of the speaker who
will help you in completing the arrangements.
The Speakers Bureau also honors requests for its "Judges in the
Classroom" program designed to provide school children with the
opportunity to hear firsthand from a judge how the judicial system
works. Judges can make the presentation in the classroom, or visits to
the courthouse can be arranged.
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Suggested Topics
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Appeals
Bail
Review
Domestic
Violence
Judges
as Problem Solvers
Jury
Duty
Juvenile
Court
Plea
Bargaining
Role
of Judge in the Judicial Process
Role
of Judge in the Community
Small
Claims Court
Traffic
Court
This
is by no means an exhaustive list of topics. Judges can speak on
any topic relating to the administration of justice. Judges,
however, are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct and are unable to
speak on certain matters, such as pending litigation. Please
contact the Supreme Court's press office at (312) 793-0870 if needed,
for clarification.
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