Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes

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705 ILCS 45/2.1

(705 ILCS 45/2.1) (from Ch. 37, par. 160.2-1)

Sec. 2.1.

If the maximum number of associate judges authorized under
Section 2 of this Act is appointed, and the chief judge of the circuit
considers the
number of associate judges inadequate, additional associate judges may be
appointed as provided in this Section 2.1.

The chief judge of the circuit in which it is desired to appoint one or
more additional associate judges shall file in writing
a petition with the Supreme Court listing the reasons such circuit
needs the additional associate judge
and detailing what use will be made of each such associate judge.
The Supreme Court shall determine whether a clear need
exists for the additional associate judges.
The Supreme Court shall consider the following factors in making its
determination: (1) case loads in the circuit; (2) the number of associate
judges, resident circuit judges and circuit judges in the circuit; (3)
the number and location in the circuit of major federal and state highways;
(4) the location in the circuit of state police highway truck weighing
stations; (5) the relationship of urban population to large metropolitan
centers in the various counties of the circuit; (6) the location in the
circuit of state institutions including,
but not limited to, universities, mental health facilities and penitentiaries;
(7) any other factor deemed relevant by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court shall either approve or disapprove the petition.  If
approved, the Supreme Court shall notify in writing the chief judge
who filed the petition as to the number of additional associate judges who
may be appointed in the circuit.  If the Supreme Court disapproves, it need
not state its reasons therefor.

The maximum number of associate judges appointed under the provisions of
this Section 2.1 shall not exceed 50 throughout the state.  There is no
limit within this maximum figure on the number of associate judges that may
be appointed pursuant to this Section 2.1 in any particular circuit.

(Source: P.A. 84-1395.)