'Check your judges' empowers voters with insight into judicial candidates seeking retention

Judge Carol Howard grew up on Chicago's West Side into a family of six children and became the first lawyer in her family's history.

In a survey about her work, Howard credits the listening skills she learned from her parents as an asset she employs every day to navigate the outcome of criminal cases in her courtroom at the George N. Leighton Criminal Court building in Chicago.

"Sometimes, a judge's decisions can impact entire families and neighborhoods for generations. I handle that power by thoroughly familiarizing myself with the facts of each case and applicable law," Howard said. "I treat everyone with respect and consider the equities on both sides. I make the most reasonable decision that I can. Then I move on to the next case."

Howard submitted these remarks to Injustice Watch for inclusion in her candidate profile in its "Check Your Judges" 2024 election guide, which aims to give voters information on the judicial candidates in the county seeking to remain on the bench for another term and judges pursuing a promotion to the next courtroom.

Howard is one of 75 circuit court judges up for retention on November 5th along with two appellate court judges. In Cook County, circuit court judges serve a term of 6 years. Appellate court judges serve a term of 10 years.

In addition to providing a glimpse of a candidate judicial philosophy, the judicial election guide examines the professional background, political connections, high-profile cases, and cases where their decisions have been overturned by a higher court of each candidate up for retention.