SJ0049 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0049 LRB094 12627 JAM 47442 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, As the seat of State government, Springfield is uniquely situated to be the site of a law school focused on government service and law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, The capital city offers a setting that is rich in both academic resources and practical training for an institution that would meet a current need and enhance future opportunities in the realm of government scholarship and service; and

WHEREAS, Illinois boasts a proud tradition of quality legal education, but the growing complexity of government's role in society presents challenges that currently are not adequately addressed by the State's institutions of higher learning; and

WHEREAS, The issues of public service increasingly call for lawyers skilled in forming, administering, enforcing, and interpreting the law on behalf of a citizenry that demands and deserves excellence from its civic servants and institutions; and

WHEREAS, In Springfield, a law school would have ready access to top-notch libraries and a pool of professional talent from the Illinois Supreme Court, the Illinois Appellate Court, the Illinois Circuit Court, the Federal Courts, the State Library, the General Assembly, State agencies, the University of Illinois at Springfield, and the Sangamon County bar; and

WHEREAS, A law school curriculum that rigorously tackles the broad range of legal questions facing communities throughout the State would ensure a cadre of alumni superbly equipped to confront Illinois' vital topics in the 21st century and beyond; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that a task force is created to study the feasibility of establishing a law school in Springfield with a curriculum oriented towards government service and law enforcement and serving students living and working in central Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force shall consist of 7 members appointed as follows: one member appointed by the Speaker of the House; one member appointed by the House Minority Leader; one member appointed by the President of the Senate; one member appointed by the Senate Minority Leader; one member appointed by the Sangamon County Bar Association; one member appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court; and one member appointed by the Mayor of the City of Springfield; and that the task force shall select a chairperson from among its members, and that the task force shall meet at the call of the chairperson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force shall consult and coordinate with the Illinois Board of Higher Education in conducting its feasibility study; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force shall submit a report of its study, its conclusions, and its recommendations to the General Assembly as expeditiously as possible.