Why are some judges elected by subcircuit and others elected countywide?
For many years, ALL circuit court judges were elected countywide. But in 1992, Cook County created subcircuits to ensure that some judges are selected by members of their own communities. Do subcircuit judges preside only in cases within the subcircuit? No. All Cook County Judges, those elected countywide and by subcircuit, serve all residents in Cook County and can be assigned in locations throughout the county.
