2025 News Archive

Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced today that he is establishing a focused committee to urgently review and improve communication procedures related to alleged violations within the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Electronic Monitoring (EM) program.

Chief Judge Beach said recent events highlight the need for clearly defined roles and timely information-sharing among the agencies involved in pretrial supervision.

Judge Charles S. Beach II was sworn in today as Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, marking the start of a new chapter for one of the largest unified court systems in the nation. Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Scott Neville administered the oath of office during an investiture ceremony held at the Ogilvie Auditorium at Chicago-Kent College of Law.

The Office of the Chief Judge extends our deepest concern to the individual who was injured, and we take this matter extremely seriously. Any incident in which someone is harmed is unacceptable, and public safety remains our top priority.

WHAT:
The Circuit Court of Cook County will conduct an investiture ceremony to install the incoming Chief Judge, the Honorable Charles S. Beach II. Members of the media are invited to cover the event as the Court marks a new chapter focused on transparency, modernization, and public service.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Scott Neville will administer the oath of office.

NBC 5 Reporter Courtney SIsk covered Friday's Adoption Day Ceremony. See her story below: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/happiest-day-in-any-court-12-children-join-forever-families-on-adoption-day/3854377/?amp=1

At a recent hearing at the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court, the Hon. Beatriz Santiago asked participants some uncomfortable questions.

Why hadn’t one young man been talking to his caseworker? Why wasn’t another preparing for his GED — and did he need help? One participant was having such a difficult time that Judge Santiago stepped out with her for a private conversation.

Twelve children will join eight permanent, loving families this Friday during a National Adoption Day ceremony at the Richard J. Daley Center.

Today, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans was honored by the Problem-Solving Court judges with the inaugural Judge Timothy C. Evans Justice Innovation Award during the joint commencement ceremony for the Mental Health Cours and Drug Treatment Court. 

This new annual award recognizes Chief Judge Evans’ decades of leadership in expanding Cook County’s Problem-Solving Courts and strengthening pathways to treatment, support, and accountability.

Today, in the lead-up to Veterans Day, our Veterans Treatment Court in Skokie held a successful graduation ceremony and welcomed the return of the Jesse Brown VA Mobile Medical Unit. The event reflected the Court's ongoing commitment to supporting veterans on their path to stability, recovery, and reintegration.

The Circuit Court of Cook County’s Veterans Treatment Court in the Second Municipal District will again host the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) on Friday, Nov. 7, in conjunction with a scheduled Veterans Treatment Court graduation ceremony. The MMU will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Road, to provide eligible veterans with access to no-cost medical and social services.