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April 8, 2015
Dear Editor:
This week, Gov. Rauner pointedly and unfairly attacked the integrity of the Illinois Supreme
Court and Illinois’ entire justice system. He labeled the system “corrupt” and said he did not
“trust the Supreme Court to be rational” in its decisions.
As lawyers, we know Gov. Rauner’s attack is without foundation. We read the opinions
authored by the Supreme and Appellate courts. We know they are decided without bias, based
on the facts and evidence presented and the applicable law. We respect them as intelligent,
well-reasoned decisions even when we don’t agree with them.
We also know the hard work judges do every day on behalf of those who seek access to justice.
We see the difficult cases they decide. We know Illinois’ judicial system is not corrupt and that
judicial decisions are rational.
As lawyers, we can appreciate the Governor’s interest in the justice system and the election of
judges. It is a legitimate topic of debate. In fact, since the early 1980s, the Illinois State Bar
Association has worked with political leaders on both sides of the aisle to promote merit
selection and retention of judges and public financing of judicial elections. That makes it all the
more disappointing that the Governor has launched an irresponsible attack without merit on
the integrity of the entire judicial system. Instead, he should engage in constructive dialogue or
propose legislation to work on these issues.
Sincerely,
Richard D. Felice
President
Illinois State Bar Association
For verification, contact Chris Ruys Communications at (312) 337-7746