Illinois Courts will start keeping a closer eye on the clock.
The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the new order, effective July 1, which for the first time establishes time standards for case closure in Illinois trial courts. The court says the purpose of the order is to assist circuit courts in resolving disputes fully, fairly and promptly. The Illinois High Court says implementing time standards establishes a statewide expectation for judges, litigants and attorneys.
Interim benchmarks for a time to case closure had been set at 75%, 90% and 98% of total cases. The court say that by including only 98% of cases rather than 100%, the state is acknowledging there will always be some court cases that take a bit longer.
