Traffic in the city

Hailing New Cab Rules

Chicago taxis may seem annoying but studies of urban areas show that cabs reduce traffic congestion and allow some city dwellers the luxury of not owning an automobile. In July of this year, the City of Chicago made several changes to the regulations and rules regarding taxis and drivers. These include restricting continuous hours driven […]

Empty benches in fall weather

How Late Is It?

On September 28th, 2012 Cook County Associate Judge Thomas Donnelly threw out the arrests of Occupy Chicago demonstrators who had been charged with violation of the City of Chicago’s overnight park curfew. He went on to declare that the curfew violates the First Amendment. He reasoned that the selective enforcement of the curfew, as well […]

Application form

As An Employer Are You Performing Unnecessary Criminal Background Checks?

An April 2012 ruling by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) may bring hope to those with criminal histories. The EEOC has changed the rules regarding how and when criminal background checks can be used in employment screenings in the workplace. The new guidelines asks employers to consider the nature of the crime, the time […]

Sidewalk view

Hitting someone in the Cross Walk is not an Option

You may have noticed since July throughout the City of Chicago, as part of an ongoing effort to increase pedestrian safety and reduce the number of crashes, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has begun installing signs at crosswalks that remind drivers of the state law that requires them to stop if pedestrians are in […]

Man driving in the evening

School Zone Speed Limits

Illinois law has long had a law regarding speed limits in school zones. The law requires motor vehicles to operate, on a school day when children are present, at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour while passing through designated school zones. In February of 2012, Governor Quinn approved Chicago Mayor Emanuel’s […]

White casket

The wake of the Jerry Sandusky Scandal

In the wake of the scandal, trial, and subsequent conviction for sexual abuse of Coach Jerry Sandusky, schools are looking for ways to prevent these occurrences at all levels of education. Erin’s law has been enacted in four states, including Illinois, and introduced by the legislature in another eight. The law, named for author and […]

Empty train

Metra Train Passes the Same as a Groupon?

Retail stores and coupon sites such as Groupon now have to comply with the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act that states that gift cards and gift certificates cannot expire for five years. One commuter is determined to hold Metra to the same standards. In a lawsuit filed in May, the plaintive claims that limited ride passes […]

Man placing hands over paper family

Adoptees To Get Birth Certificates

In November 2011, a new Illinois law became effective that allows Illinois born adult adoptees to obtain non-certified copies of their birth certificates from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Adoptees must be at least 21 years old to apply. In most cases, the original birth certificate will list the first and last names of […]

Online dating app

An Online Relationship Goes to the Supreme Court

The Internet offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, shop, and locate friends while simultaneously posing an alarming array of potential threats and scams for the unwary. In May of this year, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled on the case of Paula Bonhomme v. Janna St. James, 2012 IL 112393, deciding that the defendant’s misrepresentation […]

Zero Tolerance sign

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign…” a popular lyric from the 1971 FIVE MAN ELECTRICAL BAND but what do those signs that read “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone” or “No shirt, no shoes – no service” really mean? Generally there are no laws that ban bare feet in public but a restaurant […]