What is the highest court in Illinois?

The highest court in Illinois is the Illinois Supreme Court. This court serves as the court of final appeal within the state judicial system, which means that its rulings are binding on all lower courts in the state. The Supreme Court hears cases on a variety of important issues, including constitutional matters, and has the authority to interpret state law. Its decisions can set legal precedents that influence future cases.

In contrast, the Illinois Appellate Court serves below the Supreme Court and reviews decisions made by the Circuit Court but does not have the authority to make final determinations on state constitutional questions. The Circuit Court is the trial court of Illinois, handling the bulk of cases, but its decisions can be appealed to higher courts. The Federal District Court of Illinois operates under the federal system and does not have jurisdiction over state law matters unless federal questions are involved. Therefore, the Illinois Supreme Court is the ultimate authority in the state's judicial hierarchy and is established as the highest court.