The Zoo

The Office of the Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, located in Markham, Ill., is a unified court system that serves the citizens of the Cook County. It was created in 1964 and has more than eight divisions and six districts. Circuit Court of Cook County has more than 400 judges that handle over 2 million cases annually. It comprises three functional departments, such as County, Municipal and Juvenile Justice and Child Protection. The County Department has special judges that handle various types of cases, such as contract matters, liens and creditor s rights, dissolution of partnerships and corporations, adoption, elections, real estate taxes, municipal organizations, and divorce, sexual abuse and criminal cases. Additionally, its Municipal Department handles cases involving domestic violence, housing, licenses, ordinance and traffic enforcement, small claims and alternate dispute resolution. The Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Department hears cases involving minor s drug and alcohol addictions and substance abuse and neglect.