Why Electing the Right Judges for the Third District Appellate Court in Illinois Matters

Our appellate courts are a critical part of government that most people have never even heard of.  What is an appellate court, and why should you as an Illinoisian care?

First, What Is an Appellate Court?  (Learn more: What is an Appellate Court)

Appellate courts fix mistakes from trials and interpret the law for future cases while doing it.

Most people already know what a trial court does. Trial courts are Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Vinny Gambini in My Cousin Vinny, and Lt. Daniel Kaffee in A Few Good Men.

Appellate courts double-check the trial courts.  In movies, the dramatic verdict is the end of the story.  In law, it’s often just the start. 

The appellate court reviews the briefs submitted by attorneys, considers what happened at trial, and decides whether the trial court got it wrong—or not—and what should happen next.

Appellate Court Decisions Interpret the Law for Future Cases.  (Learn more: Clear Appellate Decisions Matter)

Appellate courts are the interpreters of our legal system, applying the law to real-life situations.

When deciding cases, appellate courts must write opinions to explain their rulings.  Those rulings interpret the law and explain how it applies.  In turn, trial courts must follow those decisions in similar cases in the future.

That means that appellate court decisions last for decades after they are decided, far beyond any individual case.  They directly impact the public policy of Illinois.

As a result, appellate courts are even more important than trial courts, even though we don’t often think about them.

The Third District Appellate Court: Justice for Two Million People  (Learn more: Who Lives in the Third District Appellate Court)

The Illinois Third District Appellate Court provides justice for some two million people in the Chicago suburbs and out into the country.

It is made up of seven counties—DuPage, Will, Grundy, LaSalle, Kankakee, Bureau, and Iroquois Counties.  In other words, if you live within a hundred fifty miles to the west or south of Chicago, there’s a good chance you live in the Third District.

Examples of Impact.

The Third District Appellate Court shapes the lives of the people in those counties in many concrete ways:

1. Criminal Justice: Good appellate judges ensure that the innocent are protected while the guilty are punished.  Most criminal convictions and sentences are resolved by the Third District Appellate Court

2. Civil Disputes: The court also handles civil lawsuits, including business disputes, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other tort cases.

3. Employment and Consumer Rights: The court also addresses employment law, discrimination claims, and consumer protection cases, ensuring that the rights of workers, consumers, and businesses are upheld.

4. Family Matters: Child custody, divorce, child support, maintenance, and division of marital assets and liabilities are all decided by the appellate courts and can profoundly affect families involved.

Choosing the Right Judges.  (Learn more: What Makes a Good Judge)

We need to elect judges on the Third District Appellate Court who will do the job right.  The people we put on this court are responsible for interpreting laws, writing precedents, and changing the legal landscape of our communities.

What Can You Do to Make an Informed Decision?

You need to make an informed decision in voting for the Third District Appellate Court. 

Here are some tips:

-Research: Dive into Judge Kenton Skarin’s background, qualification, and experience.  (Learn more: Meet Kenton , What Is It Like to Work at the Supreme Court, Part I, What Is It Like to Work at the Supreme Court, Part II, What Is It Like to Work at the Supreme Court, Part III)

-Learn More About Our Courts: Judge Kenton Skarin is committed to explaining what a good appellate court judge must do and how you can tell.  (Learn more: Learn About Courts)

-Follow Judge Skarin’s Campaign.  (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X)

-Support Judge Skarin’s Campaign.  (Learn more: Donate)

Your vote matters, and it can shape the future of justice in our community. Take the time to become informed and make your voice heard when it comes to electing the right judges for the Third District Appellate Court in Illinois.

Your choice could influence the laws that affect us all.