Illinois Appellate Court


The Illinois Appellate Court is the court of first appeal for civil and criminal cases rising in the Illinois Circuit Courts. Three Illinois Appellate Court judges hear each case and the concurrence of two is necessary to render a decision. The Illinois Appellate Court will render its opinion in writing, in the form of a published opinion or an unpublished order. As of 1935, decisions of the Illinois Appellate Court became binding authority upon lower courts in Illinois.
The Illinois Appellate Court has 52 judges serving five districts. The majority of the judges are elected, with the remaining judges having been appointed by the Supreme Court of Illinois.
Civil cases appealed from the Illinois Appellate Court are heard by the Supreme Court of Illinois upon the grant of a Petition for Leave to Appeal under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 315, a Certificate of Importance under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 316, or a Petition for Appeal as a Matter of Right under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 317. The same rules apply to criminal cases.

First District

The First District is based in Chicago and hears cases arising in Cook County. It is divided into six divisions, each with four judges. The First District clerk's office, and the principal seat of the court are located in the Michael Bilandic Building, at 160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601.

Second District

The Second District is based in Elgin and hears cases arising in 13 counties in northern Illinois. The Second District has nine judges. The Second District clerk's office is located at Appellate Court Building, 55 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120.

Third District

The Third District is based in Ottawa and hears cases arising in 21 counties in central Illinois. The Third District has seven judges. The Third District clerk's office is located at 1004 Columbus Street, Ottawa, IL 61350.

Fourth District

The Fourth District is based in Springfield and hears cases arising in 30 counties in central Illinois. The Fourth District has seven judges. The Fourth District clerk's office is located at 201 West Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62794.

Fifth District

The Fifth District is based in Mount Vernon and hears cases arising in 37 counties in southern Illinois. The Fifth District has seven judges. The Fifth District clerk's office is located at 14th & Main Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864.