Articles From Judge Judy Cates | Illinois State Bar Association

What Is a Motion for Relief? By Justice Judy Cates Bench and Bar, March 2025 Ever heard of a motion for relief? No—not a motion to reconsider, or motion for new trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict—but a motion for relief. The motion for relief is a procedural prerequisite to jurisdiction in the appellate court. A party seeking to appeal is tasked with filing a motion for relief, or “mini-brief,” in the trial court, setting forth the alleged errors that occurred during the detention proceedings and the grounds for the relief requested. The motion for relief will also serve as the argument of the appellant on appeal, as the appellant may file, but is not required to file, a memorandum in the appellate court. Ill. S. Ct. R. 604(h)(7) (eff. Apr. 15, 2024).

The New Venue Statute: Fueling Age Old Debate Between Legislative and Judicial Authority By Judge Judy Cates Bench and Bar, October 2023 In June 2023, Gov. JB Pritzker signed House Bill 3062 and a new venue statute went into effect.

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