Tours/Speakers

Judicial Speakers Bureau and Courthouse Tours

Our Judicial Speakers Bureau was established to help the community gain an understanding and knowledge of what can be a very complex legal system and the various programs in which the court is involved. The Judicial Speakers Bureau is comprised of judges who preside in both Boone County and Winnebago County. Judges are available to speak to any school, community group or civic organization in the Seventeenth Circuit that would like to further their understanding of our court systems and the administration of justice.

Guided tours are also available of all our court facilities. These tours offer groups the opportunity to see first-hand the operations and inner workings of the several components which make up our Justice System. These tours are customized for particular groups and typically include the participation of our Judiciary, Circuit Clerk’s Office, Court Reporters, Law Librarian, Jury Commission, Bailiffs, and other court personnel. Tours may also include an opportunity to observe live courtroom proceedings. Any interested group or individual is welcome to schedule a court tour.

To arrange for a speaker or schedule a courthouse tour, please contact the Circuit Court Administration Office at (815) 319-4806. Please allow approximately thirty days' notice to arrange for a speaker. Thank you for your interest in the Seventeenth Circuit Judicial Speakers Bureau.

Judicial Speakers Bureau Brochure

 

Judicial Branch Education Resources

How cases proceed through the state court system

How courts work

State and local funding for the Illinois Courts

Video Resources

The Role of State Courts: Produced by the National Center for State Courts

Illinois Jury Orientation: Produced by the Illinois Supreme Court

The Role of the Courts within the three branches of government: Produced by The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Podcast

Learning with Laura Youngblut: Domestic Violence in Winnebago County: This nine-part series examines responses to domestic violence in Winnebago County, Illinois, through the eyes of the host.

 

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF
THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT

Coming to Court

Virtual Court

Self Rep

Records Search and Payments

Local Rules

Accessibility

400 W State St
Rockford, IL 61101

EARLY CLOSURE OF CERTAIN COURT FACILITIES

Due to water main break in downtown Rockford, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court announces the following:

The Winnebago County Courthouse, Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Center, Adult Probation Department, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Center will be CLOSED at 1:30 pm on Thursday, April 18. All court appearances, including Zoom virtual appearances, located in these facilities are cancelled and will be rescheduled. For questions related to the rescheduling of court matters, please contact the Circuit Clerk's office at 815-319-4500.

The Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center and Boone County Courts REMAIN OPEN and all matters scheduled in these facilities will continue to be heard this afternoon. 

Per Administrative Order 2019-2, all orders of protection due to expire on the date of closure will instead expire the following day, or next court business day in the event of a multi-day closure. As applicable, a petitioner wishing  to pursue their order of protection, must come to the Circuit Clerk’s Office or contact the Clerk’s Office by phone the next day the courthouse is open and request to see a judge to have their order of protection extended. 

All Court Facilities are expected to be open tomorrow, April 19, 2024.