CONTACT: CHRIS RUYS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Illinois Judges Eager to Explain How do the courts decide a case? What criteria do judges use in accepting guilty pleas and sentencing? How do the courts view domestic violence? What is the process for selecting a new U.S. Supreme Court Justice? These are among topics that Illinois judges and court personnel are eager to address as part of an ongoing effort to reach out to community groups and schools. The purpose is to help increase awareness and understanding of the U.S. judicial system and the judiciary’s role in the community. Arrangements for a speaker can be made through the Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau, a collaboration between the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Judges Association (IJA), according to Judge James M. Wexstten, of Mt. Vernon, president of the Illinois Judges Association. "There has never been a greater focus about the law and the courts, largely attributable to the news media, daytime ‘Judge’ shows, the ‘Law and Order’ TV series and the movies," he states. "Unfortunately, the public often gets a distorted or imprecise view of how the courts and judges operate. By enabling community groups to hear directly from judges, it is hoped that citizens can better understand the process, and appreciate the essential role of the judicial system and its function in society." Other topics which judges can discuss are the human element of being a judge, alternatives to formal court procedures (such as Alternative Dispute Resolution), jury service and selection, and individual courts such as traffic courts, small claims courts, criminal courts, juvenile courts and problem-solving courts (such as drug courts and mental health courts). Judges who speak to community groups are bound by the Illinois 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 group. For further information, or to arrange for a speaker, contact the Illinois Judges Association at (312) 431-1283 or (888) 431-1283, or visit their Web site at "http://www.ija.org" www.ija.org. # # # |