Sanction nix brings order for reasoning

Trial Notebook

By Steven P. Garmisa

Hoey & Farina

Posted September 29, 2014 2:55 PM

A thorough explanation is required when a judge hammers a lawyer or litigant for a frivolous pleading under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 137. “When a sanction is imposed under this rule,” Section (d) says, “the judge shall set forth with specificity the reasons and basis of any sanction so imposed either in the judgment order itself or in a separate written order.” But what if a motion for Rule 137 sanctions is denied? Are judges obligated to provide particularized explanations when rejecting …

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