Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier has been sworn in as the 120th chief justice of the state's highest court in a ceremony in Springfield. The 76-year-old Karmeier was sworn in Monday by Justice Rita Garman, who served three years as chief justice. In remarks, Karmeier thanked his colleges for their support, adding that they "hold a special place" in his heart.
The state's high court Tuesday heard oral arguments about whether to allow a $10 billion class-action verdict against a major cigarette maker stand. Former Gov. Jim Thompson and another Phillip Morris
lawyer asked the court to strike that 2003 verdict.
No justice of the Illinois Supreme Court has lost a retention election since the up-or-down system was put in place 50 years ago. Last fall, Justice Lloyd Karmeier came close.
