News Archive

University of Illinois Chicago Law School Professors Michael P. Seng, Stephen Schlegel and student Christine Drew penned a guest editorial in Thursday's Chicago Sun-Times, citing the importance or resolving nonviolent gun cases in our Restorative Justice Community Courts.

Restorative Justice Practitioner Audrey Dunford was quoted in this New York Times article regarding her role in Stick Talk.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/us/gun-violence-deaths-harm-reduction.html?unlocked_article_code=1.5U4.35xJ.DoXlZvJDNk9N&smid=url-share

The Chicago Tribune shares this exclusive story about our Family Navigators, who assist family members with everything they need to know about our court process and guiding their family members and loved ones through it.

‘Family navigators’ seek to reduce obstacles, increase support for youth, families in juvenile courts

Judge Patricia Spratt joins WGN Radio's Karen Conti to discuss the WTTW documentary "Firsthand: Peacekeepers!" Spratt, who presides over the North Lawndale Restorative Justice Community Court, is featured in the documentary. Judge Spratt details the process and the criteria for those participating in the program.

How restorative justice is changing young people’s lives | WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own

Judge Patricia Spratt spends most of her week in a traditional courtroom in Maywood. But every Thursday, she turns her attention to healing and reconciliation in North Lawndale, where she leads the neighborhood’s Restorative Justice Community Court. Her role is to transform young lives through restorative justice. The goal is to heal victims, the community, and the offenders themselves.

WTTW Documentaries highlights her work in this installment of "Firsthand Peacekeepers."

The Hon. Patricia Spratt, who presides over the North Lawndale Restorative Justice Community Court, joined WTTW's Chicago Tonight to discuss the importance of the RJCC in the community. Full episode linked below.

Chicago Tonight | Feb. 17, 2025 - Full Show | Season 2025 | PBS

CBS attended some of the Valentine's Day weddings conducted by Cook County judges on Friday.

From tableside dinner at White Castle to City Hall weddings, Chicago celebrates love on Valentine's Day - CBS Chicago

Photos: Valentine’s Day weddings at City Hall – Chicago Tribune

Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans announced a pilot project that will combine cases involving mental health treatment and guardianship before a single judge, thus providing more clarity and support for respondents and their families. 

The New York Times included the Circuit Court of Cook County and the weddings our judges performed on Valentine's Day, in their Valentine's Day coverage. 

‘Joyful Chaos’: Couples Flock to Courthouses to Wed on Valentine’s Day - The New York Times