2025 Articles

On Feb. 13, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that the presence of American flag imagery on election nomination petitions was not sufficient to invalidate the petitions and remove candidates from the ballot.

On July 25, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that the right to arbitration under an arbitration agreement may be waived where the plaintiff’s actions are inconsistent with pursuing arbitration. Further, a class action waiver in an arbitration agreement does not apply to class action litigation.

On Dec. 6, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a plaintiff may name a respondent in discovery when they have a good-faith belief that the respondent has information that can implicate additional defendants.

On March 31, 2025, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that carrying a concealed firearm in public cannot alone serve as a basis for reasonable suspicion to justify a Terry stop.

On Dec. 21, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that presenting new witness testimony may qualify as “newly discovered evidence.”

On Dec. 17, 2024, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a victim owed restitution may pursue contempt actions in a criminal proceeding.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Access to Affordable Insulin Act. The Department of Central Management Services will now offer a discount program that allows participants to purchase insulin at a discounted price after rebate.

On Dec. 6, 2024, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that prohibiting a defendant from consulting with counsel during an overnight recess violates the Sixth Amendment.

On March 7, 2025, the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that prosecuting a criminal defendant for “solely malicious” reasons does not fall outside the scope of prosecutorial discretion.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the School Code. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, every public school will be required to provide instruction on climate change.

On Oct. 1, 2025, the Fifth District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a jury’s award of $3 million in punitive damages for retaliatory discharge was not excessive and did not violate the employer’s due-process rights.