How long do appellate judges serve in Illinois?

In Illinois, appellate judges serve terms of ten years. This long tenure is designed to promote stability and continuity within the judicial system, allowing judges to gain significant experience and expertise in handling appeals. When a judge’s term ends, they can run for re-election, and if successful, they can continue to serve on the appellate bench. This system is reflective of the importance placed on judicial independence, ensuring judges are not subject to frequent re-election, which could influence their decision-making or bias them towards popular opinion. The other options reflect shorter terms, which do not align with the established judicial framework within the state.