The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the assignment of Judge Margaret J. Mullen, Ret. to the 2nd District Appellate Court. Judge Mullen is being assigned to fill the vacancy created by the death of Justice Donald C. Hudson on April 11, 2023. The assignment is effective May 11, 2023, and will continue until June 1, 2027, or until further order of the Court. 

First District Illinois Appellate Court Justice Michael B. Hyman says this about the passive voice in his Judging Your Writing column in the May Illinois Bar Journal: “An abundance of passive sentences tends to force the reader to work harder to understand what is being said. Think statutes, rules, and regulations. They usually read as if composed by a committee of theoretical physicists whose native tongue is German. Yet, while junior to active, passive has an indispensable role in writing that essentially goes unnoticed.”

Associate judges are subject to reappointment every four years. The reappointment is accomplished through the casting of secret ballots by circuit court judges in their circuit. Successful candidates receive votes that tally three-fifths (60%) or greater in favor of their reappointment. Voting concludes prior to the beginning of the new associate judge terms. The new term of office for each reappointed associate judge will begin on July 1, 2023, and terminate on June 30, 2024.

On Monday, May 1, 2023, the Sangamon County Bar Association hosted its annual Law Day program at Maldaner’s restaurant, 222 S. 6th Street, Springfield.