I don't know why I'm always disappointed by government employees and services. I should know better…read morethan to expect anything besides a terrible experience. It's just frustrating that almost anytime you deal with a governmental employee, they seem gruff at best. And even those working in one of the more joyous units of county government! I called with some questions when the woman called me back, she was muttering under her breath--I don't think she expected me to pick up because I had call screening on. But she apologized for like 30 seconds at the beginning of the call saying it was a bad day, she was annoyed, but not at me--a very professional start. She did provide good directions--119 W Randolph, take the escalator downstairs. And yes, you'll enter on the Randolph side; don't use the Clark or LaSalle entrance or you'll probably get a bit turned around. But what was especially annoying is that they close for like 2.5 hours during the day. That isn't really made clear anywhere except for the sign right outside the office door, and in the two phone calls I had with them before stopping in they didn't mention being closed from 11:30 to 2. So plan accordingly. There's a $10 fee, cash only (also incredibly weird as far as I'm concerned, from both the safety perspective and that it's the year 2026). If you forget your fee, there's an ATM upstairs. On the plus side, this location performs ceremonies all week without appointments, unlike the suburban courthouses. Saturday they do require appointments, but it's nice that do any on Saturdays.

Went here for our marriage license and then to get married and the same security guard helped us…read moreboth times, he was so nice and sweet. The staff were really nice. Every thing went smoothly and fast.

I recently had jury duty in the "George N. Leighton" criminal courthouse. By the way, Judge…read moreLeighton has a great story of his own and I encourage you all to Google and find out. I saw a few yelpers' reviews on the courthouse itself and their experiences. There was no cafeteria anymore. Instead, there were vending machines, featuring Farmer's Fridge and other generic ones, inside the jurors' waiting room. Overall, the offerings were quite decent and eating surely would make the time go by a bit faster! I did use the bathroom a few times and the janitor came through several times to tidy things up. Fortunately, we were dismissed early due to the defendant' plea deal. To be honest, I would love to be called to the court room and get that "voir dire" process started. Anyway, I was fine either way since it would be a long way traveling back home and traffic wasn't heavy in the late morning/early afternoon. The information video seemed to be updated from the last time I served my first jury duty (sometime 2017), except Judge Timothy C. Evans' introduction filed in the 90's still existed. That part could use some new technology because it didn't sync with the rest of the contents. People couldn't be any nicer! Everyone I talked to was polite. I almost wanted to use the lactation room, as I found out we were going to be dismissed soon. I opted out but the facility would be available for nursing moms and I bet the clerk would be happy to help. For transportation options, CTA bus #94 drops passengers in front of the courtroom and parking lot. Jurors can park for free and there is an instruction on the summon. The Pink Line California station is approximately of a 10-min walk and it seems safe during the day, yet exercise your own discretion.

I was affirmed to be serving jury duty in person at this criminal Court in Chicago. Today, it was…read morean epic subzero day where most schools were closed. Jury duty members and members attending their court date arrived and entered the same entrance across the street from the parking garage. Getting in around 8:30, an hour earlier than the reported time, seemed to be a good idea, however, there was a bit of a lack of efficiency in the way the lines were queued up. If you are attending courts for any reason and you are not in jury duty, you must check your mobile phone or not bring it into the building at all. If you have a summons to be on jury duty, you are allowed to bring in a laptop, tablet, mobile device while the mobile device is officially allowed. There is a Starbucks stand after the metal detectors at entrance. But as the office of the clerk says, that thing is fake. They never opened it. So look at your hopes up. The cafeteria doesn't exist anymore on the first floor, you are relegated to vending machines, one of which is a farmers fridge. On the second and third floor. Floor. You will head to the third floor and spend the majority of your day through 4:30 p.m. I was selected shortly after lunch. At the roll call, your panel number paper is adorned with a red jury member badge. The 30 to 34 people seemed to include four to five panels. We were shepherded down, across and up to another location where the court rooms are. The walk from the third floor jury duty, waiting room to the courtrooms were through a few ornate corridors and stairwells. I suspect this building is pretty cool inside architecturally speaking. The room we were in was circular and the audio was well adjusted. I do not envy the people who have the hold court everyday. The judge asks the same questions to each of the first 28 people who were selected to be in the court room. There are rest rooms in the juror room (if you get picked after the completion of voir dire) or outside of the courtrooms at the exterior edge of the floor. Restrooms are one person at a time. This is the furthest I've participated in jury duty. At the end of the day, which ended about 5pm, I was not selected to be a jurer. The intent of this trial was to last through this Friday, at worst. Pay for the day is $35 USD and parking is free.

Named after one of Chicago's longest serving Mayors, the Daley Plaza (we call it) is one of the…read moremost recognizable buildings downtown. The tall brown rectangular structure has several offices inside, mostly occupied by the county for courts and administrative purposes. On the outside, the open space plaza has been the site for many protest, festivals, events and display shows. The renowned Chicago Picasso is located here. I have been here many times, lots of memories.

Beautiful day to be off work and hang out in one of my favorite places; downtown Chicago. Love my…read morecity. Chosen to appear to be a possible juror. I always show up excited that I will get picked. My brothers tease me and call me crazy for wanting to spend my day in court. My husband tells me that it's nothing like what I see on television. I keep saying, how will I know if I don't get picked. Lol. The holding area was pretty full today. Both sides were filled with hopefuls using cell phones, iPads or laptops. Some as entertainment others for work. Some hoping to hurry up and leave, while others, like myself I imagine were hoping to be chosen. There was a short video to watch explaining Jury Duty. After about twenty minutes of sitting they randomly began to call panel numbers. Number 1, 11 and 13. I started to get restless from sitting and my lower back began to hurt. I stood up, stretched and walked around the room. The Sheriff announced that there were people asking to leave for food or to smoke. It was explained that we are not allowed to leave and there would be a break for lunch. Then they would call more numbers. I would much rather be sitting in the courtroom taking notes for a case. During my thirty minute lunch break, I didn't go far. I sat in the provided fold up chairs and enjoyed a FREE concert. Elvis had just stepped off the stage. But Rico Michael Jackson was beginning his first song. Beautiful voice and very engaging. They even announced they would love to take pictures. There is always something cool going on here at Daley Plaza. After we returned from lunch, we were instructed to listen for our number to be called, and to line up in a single file. Our checks were ready and our civic service was good till next year. I did not get picked. Oooh 35$

Supremes trash the Appellate Court. courtesy of Zorn from the Trib. The alacrity and clarity of…read morethis decision really do renew my faith in this court's willingness to do the right thing. ".. the meaty analysis section in plain text form, is below: ANALYSIS Before proceeding to the merits, we wish to emphasize that, until just a few days ago, the governing law on this question had been settled in this State for going on 150 years. In Smith v. People ex rel. Frisbie, 44 Ill. 16 (1867), this court was faced with a question remarkably similar to that which is before us today. Smith, a longtime resident of Illinois, had been appointed a circuit judge by the governor of Illinois, and a quo warranto action was brought to remove Smith from that office on the grounds that he had not been an Illinois resident "for at least five years next preceding *** his appointment," as the Illinois Constitution then required In support of their action, the objectors pointed to the fact that Smith had moved with his family to Tennessee for eight months during the relevant five-year residency period. In concluding that Smith's eight-month sojourn to Tennessee did not result in an abandonment of his established Illinois residency, this court explained that, once established, "residence is lost *** by a union of intention and acts" and that "the intention in many cases will be inferred from the surrounding circumstances." Smith, 44 Ill. at 24. This court then examined the "surrounding circumstances" and found that (1) Smith frequently declared that his move to Tennessee was only an experiment; (2) just two months after arriving in Tennessee, Smith expressed a desire to return to Illinois as soon as became feasible; (3) Smith at no time expressed an unqualified intention to remain in Tennessee; (4) Smith declined to vote in a Tennessee election because "he desired to do no act by which he would lose his citizenship in [Illinois]"; (5) he refused to sell his Illinois law books prior to his move, saying that "he would probably return, and would then need them in his [Illinois] law practice"; and (6) he "only rented his [Illinois] residence when he left." Smith, 44 Ill. at 23-24. This evidence, the court concluded, was insufficient to "establish a presumption of loss of residence." Smith, 44 Ill. at 24-25. Since Smith was decided, the principles established in it have been consistently and faithfully applied in the candidacy context by the appellate court of this State. See, e.g., People ex rel. Madigan v. Baumgartner, 355 Ill. App. 3d 842, 847 (2005) (" '[W]here a person leaves his residence and goes to another place, even if it be another [s]tate, with an intention to return to his former abode, or with only a conditional intention of acquiring a new residence, he does not lose his former residence so long as his intention remains conditional.' " (quoting Pope v. Board of Election Commissioners, 370 Ill. 196, 201 (1938)); Walsh v. County Officer Electoral Board, 267 Ill. App. 3d 972, 976 (1994) (whether candidate abandoned old residence in favor of new residence presents a question of intent, which is measured both by the "surrounding circumstances" and the candidate's declarations thereof); Dillavou v. County Officers Electoral Board, 260 Ill. App. 3d 127, 132 (1994) (whether candidate abandoned established residence is a question of intent, and " 'an absence for months or even -10- years, if all the while intended as a mere temporary absence for some temporary purpose, to be followed by a resumption of the former residence, will not be an abandonment' ") (quoting Kreitz v. Behrensmeyer, 125 Ill. 141, 195 (1888)). Moreover, the principles established in Smith and uniformly followed since were the very principles relied upon by the hearing officer, the Board, and the circuit court below. Thus, from April 1867 through January 24 of this year, the principles governing the question before us were settled. Things changed, however, when the appellate court below issued its decision and announced that it was no longer bound by any of the law cited above, including this court's decision in Smith, but was instead free to craft its own original standard for determining a candidate's residency. See No. 1-11-0033, slip op. at 6-8 (dismissing the foregoing authority in its entirety). Read more: http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2011/01/did-see-this-coming-emanuel-to-stay-on-the-ballot.html

Lazy people who don't know their job, call in to speak to a manager, "they're also lazy". It's…read moredepressing these people have jobs?

This place bites. I needed to get some documents from the vital records office and when we got…read morethere, the security guard said that office was closed (I guess that's why there were people pouring out of the building a few minutes after 4 pm). He also told me that apparently the vital records office runs on an appointment only basis. Yet when I made my appointment for the following day, they let folks in who didn't have an appointment. Weird. I don't really love this new development, especially since you don't know about it unless you show up or I guess look at their website beforehand. This is a relatively new system, because when I went to pick up some record a couple years ago from this same office at this courthouse and was able to walk in and do it within fifteen minutes. And when you get there they make you sit directly next to one another--four of us were sitting elbow to below when there were at least a dozen and a half chairs there. If you want to walk in, go downtown for assistance.

The lady who eventually helped me was a pro, and very helpful. The walk from the garage to the…read moreroom I needed was nearly 2 blocks. A lot of cops looking authoritative standing around by the metal detector. Yes, you will need to remove your belt. The place isn't handicap-friendly. Come prepared.

This courthouse is the worse courthouse ever I was trying to ask for a continuance…read moreBecause the judge before her did not tell me what class I was approved for, and when I went in person to pick up the paper, only thing it had was the way to schedule the class and phone number I called the people on the paper. They said that I would need my ticket number and the class that a judge approved me for and yes, I did have two months, but y'all didn't give me all the stuff I needed I'm 17 years old plus I have a special learning, disability, reading and writing she was so rude wouldn't even let me speak. I believe she might be racist. her name is. Elizabeth ciacvia Lexus I see why people get lawyers. Shouldn't know human being be treated like that. My court time was for 9 AM. I was up on zoom at 8:30. Something was happening with the zoom so when I logged back on at 10, it finally showed me a different court ID number in password so I use that and I even called up to the courthouse before that. She made me wait all the time so she can take me. In had the nerve to be so mean but anyways, they gave me six months supervision without any moving violations and I have to pay them$354 that is crazy

The Family Court System in IL is broken…read more A single Father has no value until it's time to garnish and steal. Let's not consider; I love my child and am happy to provide. The assumption is I'm here to serve only myself and must be compelled to contribute. Are there any resources for Single Fathers? Are Father's Rights or Parenting Time protected? No, our only resource are expensive lawyers. The whole Child Support System is like dealing with The KGB & Communism. It should be dismantled today.

Would be nice if the announcement for vital record was at the entrance of the building indicating…read moreyou need an appointment. Super frustrating that you get there hoping to be serviced. People walking out being served WITHOUT an appointment. And when it's your turn the clerk tells you no that you need one. I clarified with so many people being served if they had an appointment and they said no. Thanks for nothing.

I needed to get copies of my daughter's birth certificate and visiting the downtown Chicago…read morelocation of the county clerk's office, although much closer, would probably have been incredibly frustrating. Skokie isn't that far away and just the availability of parking would make it an easier place to visit. This location of the county clerk, inside the Skokie Courthouse, is maybe a mile from Old Orchard Shopping Center (I guess I've never driven in this direction on that road because I had no clue it was here). There's ample parking at the courthouse. Obviously lots of court proceedings take place here but there's also offices for the Cook County Sheriff and other offices, including the clerk. It was a pretty quick visit for me--I was in and out of the building within about ten minutes. The woman who helped me seemed like a pretty unfriendly human, so that was too bad (I never understand this--it's not my fault that you work where you do or that you hate your job or whatever, so I'm not sure why people act as though they hate the fact you're making them do it). As of 2023, copies of a birth certificate are $15 for the first copy and $4 for each additional one. There's a cafeteria here though I don't know if they actually serve food here, at least anymore--maybe that changed during the pandemic. But they do have a lot of tables in the cafeteria. There's also at least one ATM in the building just past the security station. When you visit you'll have to put all your things through the security check so I'd suggest packing lightly.

It's tall and real shiny. That's worth 5 stars to me. Other than that, wasted a whole day sitting…read morehere. Maybe I'll go find a deli or something....

I just got off the phone with Aldo from the call center. He was of no help…read more I asked to speak to a supervisor. He transferred my call to a different department where no one picks up. Nothing against Aldo, maybe he's new. But he gave me false information. He said I filed a document in 2017 which was false, then he said the case was made a pdf. I just wanted to speak to someone that could help me. I've been on the phone since 8:30 am now it's after 12 noon. These calls just keep going from one person to another and some people don't answer. What's going on at the court house, Please hire people with knowledge and the resources to help us. Thanks.

All Men Must Serve…read more And there was my jury duty summons-almost three months to the day from the last time I punted. With summer adventures ahead I answered the call and shifted our staycation Memorial Day trip ahead a few days to make the date. During the Voir Dire many potential jurors were asked about their trips and of any reservation or ticket documentation to corroborate. Don't skip out on your civil service people. Speak the truth, that's what Voir Dire means. Civil Court of Cook County. Damages case. I knew I would be seated on the jury the minute I agreed with Plaintiff Counsel that people should face consequences for their actions. It was a fascinating experience being part of this jury at the same time a jury in New York was deciding the fate of an ex President. The cross examinations of expert witnesses became a tennis match of volleys that seemed like a tedious search for who ordered the Code Red and expertly executed dodges like the Who's on First routine. It was amazing to see the fencing that went on between witness and counsel. Well crafted questions elicit the answers you look for. This was more impressive than watching sideline reporters getting a word with coach, just before he storms into the locker room to rip his team that's getting smoked. After the judges instructions, the case was ours and we retired to the jury room to deliberate. Sidenote-thankfully we did not have the fifty three pages of instructions the Trump jury was read, yet could not have a copy of. Our jury of twelve from all walks of life talked out all the issues of the case. Everyone was welcomed to express their opinions, and everyone was heard. There is common ground out there for those that seek it. We all came to agreement and delivered our verdict. Justice, and civic duty, served. Valar Dohaeris

I stop in here about once a month to pick up rabies tags for the clinic. The parking is a mess. It…read moreis always full and even though it's beside the building it's several "blocks" to the front door with lots of deep pot house. Nice greeting. Of course there is a metal detector but the staff is alway friendly and chatty. The building itself is rough, still has areas that were abandoned due to covid protocols. It really needs some updating but it's a typical government building. Urg

Must better experience then it was years ago. I needed to get a copy of a few of my records and ran…read moreinto a few hiccups but, the clerk who assisted me happened to see me coming back while she was outside taking a break and went out of her way to walk me through all the steps so I wouldn't have to go back and forth. She helped me solve all of the issues and misinformation I was previously given and I was squared away and ready to go within a few hours. She even printed some documents for free for my troubles. Please hire more people like her. Everyone that comes to the courthouse has varying reasons for being there but all should be treated with decency and respect. A little kindness goes a long way.