2026 News Archive

After a decade of active-duty service in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Major and serving in both defense and prosecutorial roles, Judge Michael Hood brought the lessons of military service into his legal career. 

Martin, former Criminal Court presiding judge, served 24 years on the bench, finishing as an appellate justice.

CHICAGO – Chief Judge Charles Beach has named retired Justice LeRoy K. Martin the new Trial Court Administrator for the Cook County Circuit Court.

CHICAGO — The Circuit Court of Cook County and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) have been honored with a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category for SEED (Supporting Education and Employment Development), a pretrial diversion program that gives emerging adults, eighteen to twenty-five years old, facing qualifying drug distribution and gun possession charges a pathway to avoid incarceration and build toward long-term stability.

What led you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?

CHICAGO — Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced Wednesday two additions to the Juvenile Services leadership team, continuing to build out the systems-level expertise driving his transformation of Cook County's juvenile justice operations.

New filings and pending Chicago SNCO matters will transition to the First Municipal District beginning September 21.

CHICAGO — Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) proceedings filed within the City of Chicago will be heard in the First Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County at the Richard J. Daley Center, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced.

CHICAGO — Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced two more new leaders Thursday as his transformation of Cook County’s juvenile justice system continues:

Mack D. McGhee, who oversees the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility in Detroit, has been chosen in a national search to become Superintendent of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC). After four months serving as Interim Chief, Melissa Spooner has been appointed Chief Juvenile Probation Officer.

Bridgeview, Illinois —Due to an unexpected power outage affecting the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse, the Circuit Court of Cook County has suspended court operations at the facility for today.

Court officials have been in communication with Facilities Management; however, there is currently no estimated time for the restoration of power. As a result, all scheduled court calls and proceedings at the Fifth Municipal District will not proceed today.

CHICAGO – Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced that Judge Diann Marsalek will transition from her role as Supervising Judge of the Traffic Section to serve as Supervising Judge of the Housing and Eviction Section, effective Aug. 3, 2026.

CHICAGO – The Circuit Court of Cook County's Child Protection Courts held its first annual Family Reunification Ceremony & Celebration on Saturday. The free, community-wide event brought together reunified families, legal advocates, community organizations, and court partners to honor the resilience of families who have successfully navigated the child welfare system and returned home together.