Illinois Appellate Court, Second District, Sits at NIU College of Law

April 01, 2004

DeKalb - The State of Illinois Appellate Court, Second District, heard arguments in the Francis X. Riley courtroom at Northern Illinois University College of Law.  Justice Jack O'Malley presided and was joined by Justices R. Peter Grometer and Thomas Callum.

The Court heard two arguments.  The first case, Village of South Elgin v. Waste Management of Illinois, involved the proposed expansion of the Woodland landfill.  The appellate court heard arguments on behalf of the Village of South Elgin focusing on the issue of whether or not a valid contract was formed between the Village and Waste Management. 

The second case, Guaranty Trust Co. v. Dr. Alberti, involved the death of Robert Anderson.  Anderson, who was injured in a fall, was subsequently treated for his injuries, and died as a result of alleged medical malpractice. The decedent's widow filed suit under the Survival Act and under the Wrongful Death Act.  Following a jury verdict in favor of the defendants in this case, the plaintiff appealed.  The court considered two issues: 1) Whether or not expert medical opinion was properly disclosed before trial and this failure resulted in surprise testimony and was highly prejudicial in trial, and 2) The propriety of the directed verdict on the issue of proximate cause in the decedent's death.

With the court's permission, the arguments were broadcasted to the new Kenneth C. Chessick Legal Skills Training Center, which opened March 14, 2004.  The Chessick Center, which features a high-tech hearing room, Smart Classroom, and deposition room, provides technology-enhanced training for law students.  Following the arguments and a brief recess, the Justices held an informal question and answer session in the Riley Courtroom.
 
 
For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Director, Alumni Events & Public Relations
815/753-9655l
L10CJS1@wpo.cso.niu.edu