FROM ATHENS to AMERICA: Our Legal RootsBy Justice Michael B. HymanBench and Bar, April 2025The law’s got plenty of Latin—those fancy maxims and phrases that make lawyers sound like they’re casting spells instead of arguing cases. Roman law seems baked into our legal system, too. But there’s a kicker: Ancient Greece deserves as much credit, maybe more. Its form of democracy set in motion Ancient Rome’s and our own. Political ideas, philosophical musings, and legal principles that form the backbone of Western jurisprudence all trace back to Ancient Greece. The only reason we don’t notice? Latin is more visible in English.
From the Bench: AI in the CourtsBy Hon. Michael J. ChmielArtificial Intelligence & the Practice of Law, Standing Committee on, January 2025A judicial perspective on the use of generative AI in legal work product before the bench accompanied by the 22nd Circuit Standing Order.
From the EditorBy James NyesteInsurance Law, September 2025A note from the Editor of The Policy, the ISBA Insurance Section Council newsletter.
From the EditorBy James T. NyesteInsurance Law, May 2025An introduction to the issue from the editor.
From the EditorBy James T. NyesteInsurance Law, February 2025An introduction to the issue from the editor.
From the EditorBy Samuel H. LevineConstruction Law, January 2025An introduction to the issue from the editor.
Garden-Variety DUI to Felony: The Fifth District’s Limitation of Prior ConductBy Theodore HarvatinTraffic Laws and Courts, July 2025In People v. Cruz Aguilar, the Fifth Circuit determined that felony enhancement of a DUI charge at such time as driving privileges are impaired from other than an open SSS, or other than from an open revocation for DUI or Reckless Homicide or leaving the scene of a death or injury crash is not warranted. This ruling put the Fifth District at odds with the Second District.
Get Credit for Your ResearchBy Jeffrey Mollet & Cari Brett RinckerAgricultural Law, September 2025Submit your articles to the Agricultural Law Section Newsletter for publication!
Getting Help: It’s OKAlternative Dispute Resolution, November 2025Resources for lawyers who are struggling with substance abuse issues or mental health conditions.
Getting Help: It’s OKFederal Taxation, September 2025Resources for lawyers who are struggling with substance abuse issues or mental health conditions.
The Gig Economy and Nonstandard Work ArrangementsBy Joseph Belmonte, C.R.C.Workers’ Compensation Law, March 2025The American workforce is subject to constant change as a result of technological development, changing demographics, and global economic conditions. This will present challenges in identifying health and safety risks to workers associated with nonstandard work arrangements and improving safety and health.
The Girl with a Bracelet: A Gripping Mystery and a Glimpse Into French JusticeBy John W. FoltzSenior Lawyers, February 2025What happens when a best friend is accused of murder, and the judge isn’t just observing but actively investigating? Stéphane Demoustier's gripping French mystery drama, “The Girl with a Bracelet” (“La Fille au bracelet”), offers an intriguing glimpse into a legal system very different from what most of us know. This thought-provoking film centers on 18-year-old Lise Bataille, portrayed by Mélissa Guers, who is accused of killing her best friend, Flora. As the trial unfolds, the movie gives audiences a rare, nuanced look at the French inquisitorial system of justice, while keeping the mystery at its core tightly woven.
Government Use of Social Media and the First AmendmentBy Robert P. OsgoodGovernment Lawyers, February 2025Many government agencies and officials operate social media pages to interact with constituents. But when can a public official or agency limit that interaction? Do such limitations run afoul of the First Amendment? This article examines two recent Supreme Court cases involving the interaction of government, social media, and the First Amendment.
Governor J.B. Pritzker Signs Into Law the House Bill 5142By Olga BeznashchukDiversity Leadership Council, June 2025On July 29, 2024, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law HB5142, also known as the Birth Equity Act. The Act amends the Illinois Insurance Code and Illinois Public Aid Code to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care. The Act also mandates comprehensive abortion coverage without extra costs and deductibles.
Great 8’s and Numeric Trademark DebatesBy Michael J. WeilIntellectual Property, June 2025On April 22, 2024, legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. filed a trademark consisting of “a stylized number 8” (“EIGHT”) to be used on clothing, toys, and entertainment services pertaining to auto racing. Fast-forward to April 2, 2025, when another prominent sports figure associated with the number 8—two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson—filed an opposition at the USPTO, attempting to block registration of Earnhardt’s EIGHT mark. Specifically, Jackson contended that his previously filed ERA 8 and ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON word marks and ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON design mark precluded registration of Earnhardt’s EIGHT mark.
Guilty but Mentally IllBy Dan FultzCriminal Justice, January 2025A court faced with an insanity defense may find the defendant "not guilty by reason of insanity" or "guilty but mentally ill." Although both findings take into account the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense, the implications and consequences of each are different. An insanity defense is a complete affirmative defense and is equivalent to an acquittal. On the other hand, guilty but mentally ill is not an affirmative defense, but rather an alternative finding. A defendant who is found guilty but mentally ill is not absolved of criminal responsibility and thus may be sentenced for the offense of conviction.
