IL HR0790

Urges the Illinois Supreme Court to consider a system for evaluating and removing associate judges administered by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.

Proposes evaluation mechanisms include assessment and ranking of associate judges by circuit judges within their judicial circuits.

Evaluation criteria could include knowledge of law and procedures, fair treatment of participants, avoidance of conflicts, communication quality, professional development participation, and courtroom management efficiency.

Suggests bar associations active within circuits participate in evaluations by providing comments from lawyers who practice before associate judges.

Recommends removal of any associate judge rated in the lowest 10% of their circuit for any 2 years within any 3-year period.