Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy Jessica R. DurkinJanuary 2026At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Case Summary: People v. UseniBy James SternJanuary 2026The People v. Useni decision explores why base allegations are not sufficient to deny bail.
Criminal Conduct When IntoxicatedBy Ted Hammel & Kristen MessamoreJanuary 2026A person who is intoxicated (a/k/a voluntarily wasted) is usually responsible for their criminal conduct, but…the Illinois Supreme Court held in 2023 that evidence of voluntary intoxication may be used to attack a state's claim that defendant had requisite specific intent to commit charged offense.
Defendant’s Disappearing Act Yields No Evidentiary MagicBy Adam M. MillerJanuary 2026A case summary of People v. Talley, 2025 IL App (4th) 250432-U, and practical implications for the timeline of evidence preservation and discovery requests.
Illinois Cannabis Transportation Law: Concerns and Possible SolutionsBy Anthony B. Cameron & Evan BrunoJanuary 2026While Illinois has made itself the sole United States jurisdiction to criminalize the odor of cannabis, the odor-proof container rule arguably does nothing to eliminate public harm, highlighting the necessity for amendment.
