Jury Still Out on Impact of Madison County Judicial Reforms

This morning's St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that "there's a growing sense that the stigma — true or false — of a court (Madison County) overflowing with litigation is fading."

What's the real story?

While the jury -- literally and figuratively -- is still out on the real impact of the "reforms" in the Madison County judicial system, the perception is positive and as in politics, perception is sometimes reality.

We're not yet sure how significant the changes enacted in Madison County (and Bond County) will really be. But we do know that Chief Judge Ann Callis and her colleagues, especially John Knight and Charles Romani, would like to get out from under the "judicial hellhole" label. If they're going to do it by taking small steps, so be it. At least the steps are in the right direction.

The reduction in lawsuits in Madison County is not totally the result of the reforms. Federal legislation, Illinois Supreme Court decisions last year, and continued pressure by reform advocates such as the Illinois Civil Justice League are the primary causes.

But Judge Callis appears to be sincere in her desire to have Madison County viewed as -- and really be -- a fair judicial environment.

Cross-posted by Ed Murnane at Illinois Justice Blog.