Illinois Appellate Court to Hear Oral Arguments at Eastern Illinois University Thursday

The Illinois Appellate Court for the 4th Judicial District will be hearing oral arguments on two cases on Thursday at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.  Arguments are scheduled to begin at 10:30am in the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita Garman, who is from the 4th District, said that bringing the Appellate Court oral arguments to Charleston is an opportunity to allow students and citizens a first-hand look at the Illinois judiciary at work.

Ordinarily, oral arguments before the 4th District Appellate Court are heard in Springfield, but have been heard previously at other universities and colleges.  

Students from several of the university's departments have been invited to attend the oral arguments and interact with the Appellate justices at a luncheon following the sessions.

One civil case will be heard; an appeal of a ruling regarding affirmative defenses asserted by the State in respect to a state stipend paid to the county treasurers across the state.

The criminal case involves the appeal of the order granting a motion to dismiss in a criminal felony matter.

Following the arguments, the Appellate Court justices will take the cases under advisement and issue their written rulings at a later date.