Illinois Supreme Court Ruled 6 Member Jury Unconstitutional

On September 22, 2016, the Illinois Supreme Court gave their opinion in James Kakso, D.D.S., et al, v. Jesse Butler, M.D., et al. case. Chief Justice Garman wrote the opinion with Justices Thomas and Kilbride taking no part in the decision. the ruling addresses Public Act 98-1132 that went into effect June 1, 2015, which limited the numbers of jury members necessary to 6 per jury and increased the per day wages to be paid to each jury member. This month the Supreme Court of Illinois found the drafters of the Constitution did not believe they were allowing any room for the legislature to later reduce the number of jurors from 12. In the coming weeks it will be seen if this means that the jury fee assessed when you request a trial by jury in the state of Illinois is changed.

You can read the full opinion at http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/opinions/SupremeCourt/2016/120377.pdf