Chicago Business Litigation Lawyer Blog
The Illinois Supreme Court plays a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of the state. June 2021 saw the release of several significant decisions that have far-reaching implications for Illinois residents, businesses, and the legal community. In this blog post, we will explore some of the notable Illinois Supreme Court decisions issued during that month.
1. People v. Johnson (2021 IL 125475)
The Illinois Supreme Court, in People v. Johnson, addressed the issue of consent to search in a criminal context. The court ruled that the police violated the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights when they continued to search a residence after he had withdrawn his consent. This decision reaffirmed the importance of respecting individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights and clarified the limits of consent searches.
2. Allen v. Aldridge (2021 IL 125628)
In Allen v. Aldridge, the Illinois Supreme Court tackled a civil case involving personal injury. The court clarified the scope of Illinois’ one-refiling rule for lawsuits, particularly in cases where a plaintiff voluntarily dismisses their complaint without prejudice. This decision provides clarity on the circumstances under which a plaintiff can refile a lawsuit without being barred by the one-refiling rule.
3. Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 v. Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (2021 IL 125676)
This case involved issues related to attorney discipline and public employment. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that a hearing board’s decision to disbar an attorney involved in public employment should not automatically result in the forfeiture of pension benefits. The court’s decision clarified the intersection of attorney discipline and pension rights in Illinois.
4. Mayol v. Diversified Collection Services, Inc. (2021 IL 125565)
Mayol v. Diversified Collection Services, Inc. addressed the issue of wage garnishment and its impact on exempt funds. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that, under the Illinois Wage Deduction Act, certain retirement accounts are exempt from wage garnishment, providing protection to employees’ financial interests.
5. Kakos v. Butler (2021 IL 125926)
In Kakos v. Butler, the Illinois Supreme Court examined the doctrine of sovereign immunity in medical malpractice cases involving public hospitals. The court clarified that when a public hospital is engaged in medical care services, it is not immune from medical malpractice claims under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act.
Conclusion
The Illinois Supreme Court decisions issued in June 2021 reflect the court’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights, clarifying legal principles, and ensuring fairness in various areas of law, from criminal procedures to civil litigation and attorney discipline. These rulings have a lasting impact on the legal landscape in Illinois and serve as important precedents for future cases. It is essential for legal professionals, scholars, and anyone with an interest in the law to stay informed about these decisions and their implications.
Lubin Austermuehle attorneys have great success in handling business litigation disputes in Illinois. Call us at 630-333-0333 for a free consultation or contact us online here.