Cook County Associate Judge William Edward Gomolinski ruled Monday that the switch from 12-person juries to six-person juries in civil trials is unconstitutional. Gomolinski wrote that language in the 1970 state constitution means the status quo from that period must remain barring a constitutional amendment.

Former Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill last December cutting the 12-person jury in half. The bill took effect in June.

The case is James Kakos, et. al. v. Jesse Butler, et al., 15 L 6691.