Courthouse & Building Closures | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Courthouse & Building Closure - Policy & Form

The Supreme Court of Illinois has established the Supreme Court of Illinois Emergency Closing Policy and Procedures, when weather or other hazardous or emergency conditions compromise the safety or welfare of personnel or citizens. Please review the Supreme Court of Illinois Emergency Closing Policy and Procedures before filling out the Emergency Closure Form.

Supreme Court Offices:
The Chief Justice (or, in the absence of the Chief Justice, the Administrative Director) has the authority to declare offices of the Supreme Court closed. A Supreme Court administrative authority (e.g., Clerk, Legal Research Director, Reporter of Decisions, etc.) may request an emergency closing of their office. Such a request must be approved by either the Chief Justice or the Administrative Director. A copy of the approved Court Closing Form is to be transmitted to the Chief Justice, the Administrative Director, and the Supreme Court Communications Office via e-mail.

Administrative Office:
The Chief Justice and the Administrative Director have the authority to close the Administrative Office. The approved Court Closing Form is to be transmitted to the Supreme Court Communications Office via e-mail.

Appellate Districts:
The Presiding Justice/Chair of the Executive Committee has the authority to approve the closing of a district of the Appellate Court. An appellate court administrative authority (e.g., Clerk, Research Director) may request an emergency closing. The request must be approved by the Presiding Justice/Chair of the Executive Committee. A copy of the approved Court Closing Form must be transmitted to the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court Justice over the District, the Administrative Director, and the Supreme Court Communications Office via e-mail.

Circuit Courts:
The Chief Circuit Judge has the authority to close a Circuit Court. A circuit court administrative authority (e.g., Presiding Judge or Trial Court Administrator) may request an emergency closing. The request must be approved by the Chief Circuit Judge. A copy of the approved Court Closing Form must be transmitted to the Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justice over the District, the Administrative Director, and the Supreme Court Communications Office via e-mail.

 Emergency Preparedness Standards for the Illinois Circuit Courts Policy

 Please be advised, you will need to download the Emergency Closure Form before submitting electronically.

 If you have any questions, please contact the Administrative Office at (217) 558-4490 (Springfield) or (312) 793-3250 (Chicago) during regular business hours.