Illinois Legal Resources
Overview of the Illinois Court System
The court system in Illinois might seem confusing or overwhelming at first, but a closer look will make it easier for you to understand.
There are three tiers of courts in Illinois: the circuit courts, the Appellate Court, and the Supreme Court.
The circuit courts, also known as trial courts, hear a broad range of civil and criminal cases, from small claims matters to felony trials. Illinois has 23 judicial circuits, and each one contains a circuit court. Depending on the size of the circuit, judges may hear cases in more than one county.
One tier above the circuit courts is the Appellate Court, which is divided into five judicial districts. This is the court that hears appeals of decisions in the circuit courts, either affirming or reversing the decisions of those courts.
The top tier is the Supreme Court, which hears appeals from the Appellate Court. The Supreme Court also handles administrative matters for the entire Illinois court system.
More Illinois Legal Resources
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Animal Attack
- Bankruptcy
- Business Law
- Child Support
- Criminal Defense
- DUI
- Employment Law
- Estate Planning
- Family Law
- Foreclosure
- Insurance
- Landlord Tenant Law
- Lemon Law
- Medical Malpractice
- Personal Injury
- Tax
- Wage and Hour
- Wills
- Workers’ Compensation
Illinois Attorneys and Lawyers
When faced with a legal issue, contacting an experienced attorney is always the best bet. At LawInfo you can search for a skilled, Lead Counsel Rated Illinois attorney by location and by practice area. We have Illinois attorneys who dedicate their practice to specific areas of the law, so you will not only find an attorney, but an attorney who is knowledgeable to help you with your particular legal issue.