Where does Judge Anderson stand on the issues?

Ethical rules prohibit judges from formulating views and taking stances on any matter that could potentially come before them. This is because litigants deserve a judge that will keep an open mind and listen to all the evidence before reaching a decision.

What is your approach to deciding cases?

I have a judicial philosophy that embraces the notion that the judiciary is the most modest branch of government. I apply the law as required by its text and in accordance with precedent. If I wanted to make laws, I would have run for the legislature instead. A member of the United States Supreme Court was once one of my law professors, and he told me, “if you like every ruling you make, you’re doing it wrong.” I took that advice to heart. Sometimes I make rulings that I do not particularly care for, but they are made in accordance with the law. Setting aside personal views in favor of the law is what this job requires.

What kinds of cases does Judge Anderson hear?

I serve on the chancery and non-jury civil call. This means that I hear civil cases that involve (a) requests for relief that involve something other than money (like class actions, an injunction, a determination of insurance coverage or, a finding that a law is unconstitutional) and (b) civil cases where the plaintiff seeks more than $50,000 in damages and the parties do not want a jury trial. Generally speaking, I handle some of the most complex cases that are heard in the state-court system. Because they typically involve high-dollar amounts, they are often appealed. Four of my rulings have gone to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Do you have experience with criminal law too?

The bulk of my experience is in civil law, but I have some experience in criminal law too. I regularly handled grand jury returns in Will County, and occasionally handle bond court and other criminal matters. Additionally, before becoming a judge, I worked as a contract attorney in the State Appellate Prosecutor’s office. There, I prepared written arguments in the prosecution of persons convicted of committing violent sex crimes against women. Additionally, I spent a year clerking for a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court, and two years as an appellate court clerk. As a clerk, I helped judges rule on hundreds of criminal cases.