The Illinois Supreme Court is appreciative of the attendance today of key stakeholders of Cook County and the Cook County justice system for substantive discussions on how we might all work together to enhance the administration of justice.

The Court also is grateful for the presence of Chief Judge Eric T. Washington of the Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals, and Tim Murray, executive director of the Pretrial Justice Institute, for helping to facilitate this morning's discussion. Finally, the Court thanks Retired Illinois Chief Justice Ben K. Miller and Retired U.S. District Court Judge David H. Coar for their attendance and for their willingness to ensure that all of us move forward toward a common goal.

Today's discussion dealt with the systemic management of criminal pretrial matters, focused on strategies to improve the effective administration of justice in Cook County and throughout Illinois. Justice Miller and Judge Coar have agreed to coordinate continuing discussion and study with all the participants to propose improvements and to report back to the Court within 90 days.

The Supreme Court is mindful and respectful of the unique and independent duties of each office responsible for criminal justice in Cook County. The Court also is committed to the principle that collaboration and cooperation is necessary to achieve a common vision. The Court is confident that all of this morning's invited participants are committed to the common goal of enhancing criminal justice for all and will work to achieve it.

A Brief Statement of Facts:
In a letter dated October 18, 2013, then Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride invited principal stakeholders in Cook County and the Cook County justice system to engage in a face-to-face collaborative process with the seven Supreme Court justices "to identify systemic issues and strategic responses to improve the management of the criminal courts."

The invited Cook County stakeholders are Anita Alvarez, Cook County State's attorney; Doro-thy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court; A.C. Cunningham, Cook County Public Defender; Thomas J. Dart, Cook County Sheriff; Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans of the Cook County Circuit Court; President Toni Preckwinkle of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Ms Alvarez and Mr. Cunningham notified the Court that they are unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman convened the meeting at 9 a.m., November 14. The meeting ended at approximately 11:45 a.m.