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The Human and Civil Rights Section’s mission is to educate the people of Illinois about their human and civil rights and the rights of others; inform the people of Illinois about the impact on such rights by existing or proposed laws, and the policies and actions of governments or other actors; assist the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) membership in understanding and protecting the human and civil rights of their clients; encourage solidarity between the Illinois bar and all members of the national and international legal profession as a means of strengthening human and civil rights and the rule of law; advise the ISBA on issues related to human and civil rights; and to promote the legal recognition and protection of human and civil rights.
Related Articles
Current Newsletter — September 2026
- Letter From the Chair
- The Rule of Law
- The Necessity of Moral Courage, #250 & Other Key Takeaways From the First ISBA Rule of Law Symposium 2026, “Defending Democracy: Protecting the Rule of Law”
- Cisco Systems, Inc. v. Doe: The Supreme Court Slams the Door on Present-Day Alien Tort Statute Claims
- 2026 Annual Meeting Photos
Recent Related Cases
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Religious Discrimination | N.D. Ill., Eastern Div.
Federal 7th Circuit / Civil
Mason v. Cook County, Illinois, No. 25-2743 (September 28, 2026) (LEE) Affirmed. -
Section 1983 Actions | W.D. Wis.
Federal 7th Circuit / Civil
Talley v. Gleode, No. 25-1264 (August 28, 2026) (ROVNER) Affirmed. -
Eighth Amendment | S.D. Ind., Indianapolis Div.
Federal 7th Circuit / Civil
Smith v. Price, No. 25-1041 (August 19, 2026) (PRYOR) Affirmed in part, reversed in part, remanded. -
Permanent Injunction | S.D. Ind., Indianapolis Div.
Federal 7th Circuit / Civil
Planned Parenthood Great Northwest v. Commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health, No. 24-2219 (August 18, 2026) (HAMILTON) Affirmed. -
Qualified Immunity | C.D. Ill.
Federal 7th Circuit / Civil
Savory v. Andrews, No. 24-2947 (August 14, 2026) (KIRSCH) Reversed.
Upcoming CLE
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October 6Chicago
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October 14Online
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November 19Online
Tools and Resources
- Human Rights discussion group is available to section members via the Human and Civil Rights community in ISBA Central
- The Human and Civil Rights Section directory is available to all ISBA members
- The Elmer Gertz Human & Civil Rights Award recognizes long-standing, continuing and exceptional commitment by an individual or an organization to the protection or advancement of Human Rights.
- Useful links
Leadership
Videos
Quick Takes for Your Practice: COVID-19 Series
See all Quick Takes for Your Practice: COVID-19 Series videos