Illinois Appellate Court 3rd Judicial District (McDade Vacancy)
The Illinois Appellate Court hears appeals from circuit court cases. It is divided into five judicial districts. The first judicial district consists of all of Cook County. The rest of the state is divided into the other four judicial districts. Three judges hear an appellate case, and two are required to decide the case.[Source: https://www.isba.org/public/illinoiscourts]Review the Illinois State Bar Association Judicial Evaluations and Advisory Polls - https://www.isba.org/judicial-electionsAppellate Court Website - https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/appellate-court/Salary: $281,331 [Source: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/public/state-and-local-funding-for-the-illinois-courts/]
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Margaret "Peggy" O'Connell
(Dem)
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Jason A. Helland
(Rep)
What qualifications do you bring to the office?
Describe your judicial philosophy?
What do you perceive as the most significant obstacles to justice in the Illinois justice system, if any?
What, if any, obligation do judges have to improve public understanding of the courts?
What, if any, specific types of cases would you find it necessary to disqualify yourself from?
Campaign Phone
6302910947
I have been a lawyer for 34 years and I was elected as a Circuit Court Judge in DuPage county in 2020. During my years of practice I have written and argued dozens of cases in the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court. I also have extensive practice in the Federal District Court and arguing before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. I have co authored a Brief in the United States Supreme Court.
Since be elected in 2020, I have been sitting in the Felony Division and I am currently the presiding Judge of the Felony Division. I oversee 6 felony courtrooms, drug court and first appearance court in DuPage County.
I believe in accessible justice for all individuals in the court system. Fairness only works when everyone can be heard. I believe that we must protect our fundamental rights which are currently under attack. As Judges, we are the last line of defense in protecting and upholding the rule of law. The law must be applied fairly, without agenda, to ensure justice and equal rights for everyone.
Access to the judicial system is the largest issue that i perceive at this time. We must strive to make the courts accessible to all no matter their disability, income and socio economic status.
I believe that it our obligation to engage in public outreach. This insures that we understand the obstacles that are faced by litigants. By listening and engaging with our community we can improve access to the courts for all individuals.
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