Illinois

       The Illinois Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction.  It has original jurisdiction of all justiciable matters except those where the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction.  The Illinois Court of Claims is a quasi-judicial court that is part of the legislative branch of government.  It has exclusive jurisdiction over claims of unjustly served time in state prisons, and claims in tort, excluding motor vehicle cases, up to $100,000.  It also has exclusive......Click Here For More

       The Illinois Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction.  It has original jurisdiction of all justiciable matters except those where the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction.  The Illinois Court of Claims is a quasi-judicial court that is part of the legislative branch of government.  It has exclusive jurisdiction over claims of unjustly served time in state prisons, and claims in tort, excluding motor vehicle cases, up to $100,000.  It also has exclusive jurisdiction over all other claims against the state founded in law, in contract, or upon administrative or executive regulations, except Workers' Compensation cases and Workers' Occupational Diseases Act cases.

       Circuit Court Judges are elected to initial six-year terms in partisan elections in each circuit.  Subsequent six-year terms are by a retention vote.  Circuit Court Judges appoint Associate Judges in their circuits for four-year terms.  The Court of Claims has seven Judges appointed to six-year terms by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate.