How are judges selected in Illinois?

Judges in Illinois are primarily elected by the people, which reflects the state's commitment to a democratic process in the selection of judges. This system not only holds judges accountable to the public but also supports the principle of popular sovereignty, wherein the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed.

In Illinois, the judicial system allows for both the election of judges in particular courts and certain appointed positions within the judiciary, such as circuit judges and Supreme Court justices. Elected judges are responsible for making decisions that affect the lives of citizens, and by allowing the electorate to choose them, it promotes public trust in the judiciary.

The other methods of judicial selection, such as appointment by the governor, selection by the legislature, or appointment by the Supreme Court, do exist in some states or under specific circumstances, but in Illinois, the direct election process is the predominant method for selecting judges. This ensures that judges are held accountable to the voters who have the power to support or remove them during election cycles, maintaining a level of democratic oversight in the judiciary.