End absolute and qualified immunity in Illinois


End absolute and qualified immunity in Illinois
The Issue
We are calling on the Illinois General Assembly to take decisive action and end both absolute and qualified immunity for judges, and attorneys, in the state of Illinois. This appeal is backed by the residents of Lombard and DuPage County who are increasingly concerned about the accountability of those in positions of power.
Absolute and qualified immunity often obstruct justice by preventing accountability for misconduct amongst public officials. In practice, these doctrines can shield officials from facing consequences, even when they overstep their authority or break the law. This has led to recurring grievances of injustice among citizens who feel their civil rights are being disregarded. Research by the Cato Institute shows that qualified immunity claims are denied immunity only 13% of the time, leaving the majority unchecked. **In 2020 alone, dozens of incidents involving public officials in Illinois demonstrated a pressing need for reform, as many families were left without recourse or justice.**
There is a growing public demand for transparency and culpability in our justice system, echoed in reports by the National Police Accountability Project, which continuously highlights instances where the lack of chains of accountability wreaks havoc on community trust. Kansas and Colorado have enacted limitations on qualified immunity, providing a model for reform that upholds both public safety and accountability. We urge the Illinois General Assembly to follow suit to restore faith in our legal system.
A legislative reform addressing immunity would enable victims of misconduct to seek redress and ensure that judges, and attorney's adhere to their duty to serve and protect, rather than operate above the law.
To the Honorable Members of the Illinois General Assembly, and specifically State Representative Sean Casten, we plead for immediate legislative action. This is a call for systemic change and justice for the people of Illinois.
Support our cause and help protect community rights and uphold justice by signing this petition today. Your voice matters in creating a fairer, more accountable Illinois government for everyone.

311
The Issue
We are calling on the Illinois General Assembly to take decisive action and end both absolute and qualified immunity for judges, and attorneys, in the state of Illinois. This appeal is backed by the residents of Lombard and DuPage County who are increasingly concerned about the accountability of those in positions of power.
Absolute and qualified immunity often obstruct justice by preventing accountability for misconduct amongst public officials. In practice, these doctrines can shield officials from facing consequences, even when they overstep their authority or break the law. This has led to recurring grievances of injustice among citizens who feel their civil rights are being disregarded. Research by the Cato Institute shows that qualified immunity claims are denied immunity only 13% of the time, leaving the majority unchecked. **In 2020 alone, dozens of incidents involving public officials in Illinois demonstrated a pressing need for reform, as many families were left without recourse or justice.**
There is a growing public demand for transparency and culpability in our justice system, echoed in reports by the National Police Accountability Project, which continuously highlights instances where the lack of chains of accountability wreaks havoc on community trust. Kansas and Colorado have enacted limitations on qualified immunity, providing a model for reform that upholds both public safety and accountability. We urge the Illinois General Assembly to follow suit to restore faith in our legal system.
A legislative reform addressing immunity would enable victims of misconduct to seek redress and ensure that judges, and attorney's adhere to their duty to serve and protect, rather than operate above the law.
To the Honorable Members of the Illinois General Assembly, and specifically State Representative Sean Casten, we plead for immediate legislative action. This is a call for systemic change and justice for the people of Illinois.
Support our cause and help protect community rights and uphold justice by signing this petition today. Your voice matters in creating a fairer, more accountable Illinois government for everyone.

311
The Decision Makers



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Petition created on October 20, 2025