Welcome to the website of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal. The Council of Chief Judges was formed in 1980 when judicial leaders of state appellate courts around the nation recognized the need to have a “body for consultation” and education “concerning the improvement of the administration of justice, rules and methods of procedure, and the organization and operation of  state intermediate appellate courts.”

For over 27 years, the Council of Chief Judges has served as a resource to its members and their courts through annual education conferences and the important work of its committees. These conferences serve three major purposes: 1) information-sharing about the operation of the nation’s state appellate courts, 2) a forum for discussion of issues affecting the administration of justice, and 3) programs that provide intellectual stimulation to Chief Judges, presented by nationally renowned experts from varying disciplines, as well as speakers from within our own ranks.  The Council also has committees that provide a forum for the discussion and consideration of major issues and support the continued health and welfare of the organization. Our current committees include Education, Administration of Justice, Newsletter, Long Range Planning, Membership, and Resolutions.

Thank you for your interest in the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal.  We hope you will visit this site often.

Tom M. Lytton, President (2007-2008)
Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal
Presiding Justice, Illinois Appellate Court, Third District