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Illinois

Overview

  • In Illinois, general jurisdiction judges and court reporters are paid by the state.  Court facilities at the trial court level are funded out of local county revenues.  Other expenses are a mix of state and local funding.  Levels of county resources for the 23 judicial circuits vary widely.  County's budget information is not provided to the Administrative Office.
  • Illinois’ state appropriation was reduced from $310.3 million in FY11 to $304.7 million in FY12.  They will be able in increase the number of judges; a total of eight new judgeships were created as a result of population changes reflected in the 2010 census.  They will be able to maintain the number of staff positions.  Illinois will need to reduce the amount spent on operating costs; they are implementing operation cost saving strategies to prioritize spending for only essential services. 
  • Technology initiatives include e-filing, an electronic document management system, e-payment of fines and fees and videoconferencing of hearings, providing a service-friendly and more efficient and effective court system. 
  • Best practices being implemented include the allocation of probation reimbursement resources to the various circuits consistent with the principles of evidence-base practices in probation.  As a result, a greater proportion of resources are being dedicated to maximum and moderate risk offenders.
  • Since the state's trial courts rely on both state and local funds, there have been reductions in operations at the circuit court level, including reduced hours for public access to courthouses, furlough days for some circuit court personnel, and, in some, reductions in workforce.

Reports and Articles

Gavel to Gavel

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