Eviction court Judge Denise Kathleen Filan outstanding jurist

This court watcher observed the proceedings of the Forcible Entry and Detainer Judge Denise Kathleen Filan, sitting in for Judge Janet Adams Brosnahan, handling these cases on September 1, 2011 in courtroom 203 at the Bridgeview Courthouse, known as the 5th Municipal District.

Judge Filan must be congratulated for her mastery of this heavy courtroom schedule and demeaner during this crowded session where fairness, efficiency, clear instructions, fidelity to the law, and even temper was evident. Judge Filan was noted to be even tempered, clear in her instructions to litigants, fair to pro se and attorneys alike, knowledgeable of the law, and appropriate in encouraging the litigants to take some time in the hall to try to work out their differences before coming in the courtroom for trial.

Litigants clearly got a fair deal and justice was done.

The law in regards to evictions (forcible entry and detainer actions) is clear.  Notice must be given to the parties or the court does not have jurisdiction. The method of notice is specified by statute and if not followed, the judge must dismiss the case.