Federal judge proposes courtroom in DuPage
ISBA Bench and Bar Section Council on Feb. 22 heard an outline from Judge Wayne Andersen of U.S. District Court of possible means of providing either a federal courtroom in DuPage County or the assignment of a judge to sit there.
The judge pointed out that Congressman Henry Hyde got a bill passed a few years ago to authorize a federal facility in Wheaton, but no appropriation of funds was made.
Andersen reported interest on the part of the president of the DuPage County Board to construct a facility that could include court facilities as well as a detention center. The county would lease space to the federal government.
Currently, some federal prisoners subject to court appearances are housed in facilities spread between Kankakee and north of Milwaukee. This creates expense for both lawyers and the government to transport them and provide security.
The DuPage County Bar Association has just passed a resolution supporting the concept. Judge Andersen said he plans to meet in the near future with other local bar associations.
He told the Bench and Bar Section that he would like the proposal to be reviewed by the ISBA toward making a decision whether to conduct a more formal study.
For more information or to comment on the proposal, contact subcommittee chair Andrea Schleifer mailto:ams1esq@aol.com or by fax to (312) 236-7660.