Press Release |
Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans has announced Judge Albert Green, Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division, will retire effective Wednesday, October 31, 2001. Judge Green cited his desire to spend more time with his family while providing himself the best opportunity to fully recover from a number of recent surgeries as reasons for his decision to retire.
Chief Judge Evans praised Judge Green for his long and honorable judicial career, noting, "Judge Green is a revered jurist and beloved colleague who will be truly missed. He departs the court as a judge with a record of unquestioned integrity who consistently demonstrated the highest standards in understanding, analysis and competence -- in short, the ideal role model for judges."
"I am grateful to him for his many years of service on behalf of the citizens of Cook County," said Chief Judge Evans.
Judge Green was first elected a circuit judge in 1976. He served in the Criminal Division from December 1976 until June 1980 when he was assigned to the Chancery Division where he became the longest tenured judge within that division. He was appointed Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division in February 2000. Prior to compulsory retirement at the end of his term in December 2000 at the age of 75, Judge Green was recalled to serve until December 31, 2001, by order of the Illinois Supreme Court.
Judge Green served on several key judicial committees both in the Circuit Court and statewide. He was a member of the Management Committee of the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County for 15 years. He also was a long time Supreme Court appointee to both the Judicial Conference of Illinois and the Legislative Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court.
As a judge in the Chancery Division, Judge Green presided over several well known cases. In 1994 in City of Evanston v. City of Chicago, et al, he ordered the removal of a controversial two and a half foot wall on Howard Street, the boundary between Chicago and Evanston.
He also upheld in 1982 the ordinances banning the sale or possession of handguns in the suburb of Morton Grove.
Judge Green said, "It has truly been a privilege to have worked with the many fine judges and staff of this court. I leave with full confidence that the court remains in good hands under the new leadership of Judge Evans. He is a very competent Chief Judge, and I wish him the very best."
Prior to his election as a circuit judge in 1976, Judge Green engaged in the general practice of law from 1949 through 1976. During that period, he worked with the Illinois General Assembly as the legislative coordinator for the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Forest Preserve District from 1960 through 1976. Also, he served as a member of the County Problems Commission for the 77th, 78th and 79th General Assemblies.
Judge Green received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1949 and his B.S.C. from DePaul University School of Commerce in 1947.
During World War II, Judge Green served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Force in Africa and Europe.
Chancery Division Judge Lester D. Foreman will continue to serve as Acting Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division until a permanent appointment is made.
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