Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

How many appellate courts are there in Illinois?

1. 3

2. 5

3. 7

4. 9

The correct answer is: 5

Illinois has a total of five appellate courts, known as the Illinois Appellate Court. This structure is designed to provide a systematic approach to reviewing lower court decisions, ensuring that legal interpretations are consistent across the state. Each district within the appellate court system serves a specific geographic area, which helps manage case loads and provides access to appellate review for all citizens. The five districts help balance the caseload among different regions and allow for diversity in judicial opinions while maintaining a unified judicial system. Therefore, recognizing that Illinois has five appellate courts reflects an understanding of the state's judiciary structure and its role in the overall legal system.