Courts Matter Illinois

⚖️ SCOTUS opened its term with Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a climate change case asking whether states, local governments and individuals can sue major polluters for climate-related harms. 🌎

Can local governments pursue state-law claims against fossil fuel companies for alleged climate-related harm? That question is before the Supreme Court in Suncor Energy v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, argued October 5.

The Supreme Court’s 2026–2027 term is underway, with significant cases on the docket and more potentially ahead. Read the full update and find resources to follow the Court: courtsmatterillinois.com/

The Supreme Court lifted restrictions on third-country deportations, raising concerns about due process and the chance to challenge risks of persecution or torture. Learn more: courtsmatterillinois.com/hom… #CourtsMatter

The Supreme Court is considering whether Boulder, Colorado, can sue ExxonMobil and Suncor over climate-related damages—or whether federal law blocks the case. The decision could affect similar lawsuits nationwide. Read the summary and full article: readtangle.com/r/4cf02e71?m=…

Trust. Access. Integrity. Democracy. Join the Civil Disagreements debate on Election Security Oct. 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Union League Club of Chicago. CLE credit available. Register: chicagocouncil.org/event/civ…

How can state attorneys general protect voters and their votes? Join ACS’s free virtual discussion Oct. 5, 2–3 p.m. ET, with AGs Nick Brown and Peter F. Neronha, moderated by Dahlia Lithwick.

Missouri’s congressional map remains tied up in conflicting court rulings as the election approaches. These decisions affect representation and leave voters and election officials facing uncertainty. Courts matter to fair elections.

Mail-in ballot rules remain unchanged for now. The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to immediately enforce new USPS requirements, leaving the lower court’s block in place. Details: courtsmatterillinois.com

Today, we remember and reflect. Even in times of crisis, our commitment to justice, constitutional values, and individual rights must remain strong. Independent courts help protect those principles and preserve the checks and balances our democracy depends on. #September11

Our Chair recaps the final cases heard by #SCOTUS. She discovers a rollercoaster of decisions & opinions that mirrors the consequential ride of the full term. But it’s not the end of the road. Read more. changecounts.net/2026/07/01/…

We'll be listening and keeping you informed of critical decisions.

We're seeking a part-time Communications Coordinator. It's a paid REMOTE position to communicate our advocacy work online & across digital platforms, helping us reach new audiences & advocates to support our mission. Apply courtsmatterillinois.com/abo…

Recognizing #Juneteenth is just a small step in our journey toward racial equity. This day commemorates when the Emancipation Proclamation was recognized in Texas, on June 19, 1865, thus reaching every city and state in America.

Bob Dylan wrote: “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” It’s a lyric revealing that much of the directions of our courts depends on “which way the wind blows.” We ask you during #Pride Month to remember those who fought for rights we take for granted.

We'll be listening in and following up...

A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court rejected the ICE policy of denying bond to immigrants in the US fighting deportation cases. The ruling applies to the states of the Sixth Circuit. Read more at courtsmatterillinois.com/fed…

Almost before the ink was dry on the devastating opinion in Louisiana v. Callais, state legislatures in the South began meeting in special session to ‘disappear’ the rare Black electoral districts on their maps. Read more at courtsmatterillinois.com

Right-wing group sues Illinois in first post-Callais attack on a state Voting Rights Act democracydocket.com/news-ale…