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We at the 16th Judicial Circuit are committed to providing equal access to a fair and impartial system of justice that fosters public trust and confidence.
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The 16th Judicial Circuit's seasonal newsletter for Kane County residents.
Release date 4-28-2025
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Chief Judge Robert Villa's Welcome
We are excited to launch our inaugural Kane Courts Quarterly, a digital newsletter designed to keep you informed about the latest happenings in our court system delivered right to your email inbox. We aim to provide timely, accurate, transparent court information to meet the needs of our residents, jurors, self-represented litigants, attorneys, and anyone needing to interact with us at one of our six courthouses. READ MORE
| | | Revitalizing History: Exciting Renovations at the Kane County Courthouse | | The renovation project at the Kane County Courthouse, the historic icon serving the Kane County community for 132 years, is officially underway. Also known as the Third Street Courthouse, the building has not been renovated since 1975 and was due for a much-needed makeover. Chief Judge Robert Villa is at the helm of this exciting initiative, which aims to create more welcoming spaces for both visitors and jurors while preserving and celebrating the courthouse's rich history of its past. "We have a duty to preserve these public spaces for the long term," said Chief Judge Villa about the project. READ MORE | | Elevating Kane County Jury Service | | The Office of the Jury Commission, responsible for preparing the general jury list, summoning, selecting, and verifying potential jurors, has recently implemented a state-of-the-art juror management system called Genesis. This modern, web-based platform elevates how Kane County jurors interact with the jury system, providing flexibility through phone, online portal, and chat features. READ MORE | | Mock Trials Offer Students a Day in the Legal Profession | | The 16th Judicial Circuit hosted its annual High School Mock Trial Tournament on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Kane County welcomed 14 total schools from several counties, including four Kane County schools. St. Charles East placed first, followed by Bartlett’s A Team in second and Normal West in third. Kane County judges and staff volunteered their time for the weekend. READ MORE | |
Women's History Month
In celebration of Women's History Month, Judge Eun Yoon of the 16th Judicial Circuit was the guest speaker at a luncheon held on March 25, 2025, by Chicago Title. Judge Yoon shared insights into the life and legacy of Catherine Waugh McCulloch, a pioneer lawyer, suffragist, and activist. The luncheon celebrated the achievements of local women who serve as attorneys and judges in the 16th Circuit, honoring their significant contributions to the fields of law and history.
Kane County Judges pictured from left to right: Hon. Lark Cowart, Hon. Sandra Parga, Hon. Kathryn Karayannis, Hon. Eun Yoon, Hon. Alice Tracy, Hon. Elizabeth Flood and Hon. Kimberly DiGiovanni.
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Judges Go to School Day
Judge Keith Johnson recently participated in the Illinois Judges Association's "Judges Go to School Day" program. Judge Johnson visited Heartland, Williamsburg, Mill Creek, and Fabyan Elementary Schools in Geneva, where he read a book to students and talked about our court system and the important role of the judiciary in society.
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Worries of the World Wide Web
Worries of the World Wide Web (WOWWW) is a presentation given by our judges to middle school students to address the dangers of the internet, including cyberbullying and electronic harassment. The presentation focuses on the social and legal impact of these activities with the goal of increasing awareness for students.
Judge Lark Cowart and Judge Keith Johnson presented the program at Simmons Middle School East Aurora School District #131 and by several other judges at various schools.
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Law Library Director Hallē Eichert Featured on Local Podcast
Our Law Library Director Hallē Eichert, was interviewed by host Lori Schmidt on the Kane County Bar Association's April podcast, By the Bar. Hallē discusses her 30-year professional background, the history of the Kane County Law Library and Self Help Legal Center, and the important services the Law Library offers to both attorneys and the public. The By the Bar podcast is available on Spotify and Apple.
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Winter Wedding
Cold-hearted? Far from it! In February, Judge D.J. Tegeler officiated a local teacher's wedding in 10° weather.
Planning on getting married in Kane County? The links below will guide you through the steps from obtaining your marriage license to saying, "I do."
Marriage License Instructions | Wedding Ceremonies
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Welcome to Our Newest Associate Judge!
Judge Thomas E. St. Jules takes the vacant Associate Judge seat of Judge Sandra Parga, who was recently elected to the position of Circuit Judge in the November 2024 election.
You can read more about Judge St. Jules in our Press Release.
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Law Day is May 1
What is Law Day? Law Day is the American Bar Association’s (ABA) annual opportunity to celebrate the rule of law, as well as understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. For full details of the event, please visit the ABA's website.
Our Law Day Essay Contest was open to all Spring 2025 Sophomores and Juniors in Kane County. Winners will be announced on May 1, and we will feature the award winners' essays in our Kane Courts Quarterly summer issue!
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Free Family Law Help Available Every Week Through the Law Library
If you are a self-represented litigant (representing yourself in court without a lawyer) who is experiencing a family law issue in Kane County, we offer two weekly opportunities to speak to a lawyer for FREE. The lawyer can help answer questions about starting a case or about your current case. For more information, call the Kane County Law Library at (630) 406-7126 or visit Divorce and Family Law Help.
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