Justice Thomas Harris Announces Candidacy for Appellate Court

[September 12, 2017]  LINCOLN

Justice Thomas M. Harris has announced his candidacy for election as an appellate judge on the 4th District Appellate Court. Justice Harris has been serving on the appellate court since January 2013 by assignment of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman said in a statement, “I am pleased to announce the assignment of Justice Thomas M. Harris to the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Carol Pope. In his over four years on the appellate court, he has shown himself to be a thoughtful and deliberate jurist, who writes thorough and well-reasoned opinions. He is widely regarded by members of the bench and bar as an outstanding judge, with a judicial temperament that shows respect for all who come before the court. I am certain that he will serve the people as faithfully and as well as the impressive justice he is replacing.”

“I appreciate the confidence shown in me by Justice Garman and the other members of the Supreme Court,” Justice Harris said. “The work of the courts is very important to the citizens of this state. It is an honor to serve the public as a judge.”

Justice Harris is a Lincoln native and graduate of the University of Illinois and the University of Colorado Law School. He was in private practice from 1988 to 2007. In 2007, he was appointed associate judge, and was elected resident circuit judge of Logan County in 2008, where he served until his assignment to the appellate court in 2013.

In three separate judicial advisory polls since becoming a judge, Justice Harris has received a 100% rating for adherence “to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office.” “It is critical that the public has faith and confidence in the legal system. I recognize this responsibility and will continue to work hard to maintain the public’s trust,” Justice Harris said.

Justice Harris is an appointed member of the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Illinois Judicial Conference. He previously served as editor-in-chief of the Illinois Bar Journal. Justice Harris and his wife, Regina, live in Lincoln. They have three children.

The 30 counties in the 4th District are Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Greene, Jersey, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Mason, McLean, Menard, Morgan, Moultrie, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Vermilion, and Woodford.

[Brad Carlton]