Statement from Governor Quinn on Chief Justice Fitzgerald's Retirement, Justice Theis' Appointment

CHICAGO – September 14, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the recent announcement of Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald’s retirement and Appellate Justice Mary Jane Theis’ appointment to the state’s highest court. Governor Quinn’s statement:

“I wish the best of luck to Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald as he enters the next stage in his life. He has served the people of Illinois with honor and integrity and will be greatly missed.

“I salute Justice Mary Jane Theis for her appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court. Throughout her long career, Justice Theis has demonstrated sound legal judgment and an unwavering commitment to finding truth and upholding the law of the land.

“Justice Theis is well-respected by her peers for her independence and fairness, and I have no doubt that those same qualities will help guide Illinois’ highest court as it confronts our state’s leading legal issues.”

Justice Theis was selected to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court by its current justices and will replace outgoing Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald, who recently announced that he will retire on Oct. 25. Her appointment marks the first time in Illinois’ history that three of the seven justices on the high court will be women.