Call For Judicial Oversight Committee In Illinois

RIVERSIDE, IL – In light of recent judicial statements and tragic criminal incidents, Retired Riverside, Illinois Police Chief Tom Weitzel is calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker to establish a transparent Judicial Oversight Committee to review judicial conduct, rules, and discipline in Illinois.

The current system of judicial oversight has proven inadequate and secretive, leaving communities without confidence that judicial rulings are consistent, fair, and aligned with public safety. Decisions that profoundly affect lives are made behind closed doors, with little accountability or transparency.
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzales recently stated, “I can’t hold everybody in custody just because the State’s Attorney wants me to.” While judicial independence is essential, this remark underscores the tension between prosecutorial discretion, judicial authority, and community safety.

The tragic case of Lawrence Reed, a repeat offender who set a woman on fire aboard a CTA train in Chicago, further illustrates the consequences of inadequate oversight. Reed’s criminal history raises urgent questions about how repeat offenders are overseen in Illinois courts and whether judicial decisions are sufficiently aligned with the imperative to protect the public.

Proposed Oversight Committee
The requested Judicial Oversight Committee would:

• Review judicial conduct and rulings to ensure accountability.
• Establish clear rules and disciplinary standards that protect both judicial independence and public safety.
• Include legal professionals and Illinois citizens to guarantee balanced perspectives.
• Operate transparently, with findings accessible to the public to reinforce trust in the judiciary.

Weitzel said, "Leadership requires anticipating consequences, not waiting for chaos to dictate policy. Illinois citizens deserve confidence that judicial rulings are fair, consistent, and mindful of community safety. Establishing a transparent oversight committee is a necessary step toward restoring trust in our justice system."