People v. Anderson

Petitioner, Clifford Anderson, appeals the summary dismissal of his “Motion to Vacate Unconstitutional and Void Judgments,” which he characterizes as a motion for relief under section 2 — 1401 of the Code of Civil Procedure (hereinafter Code). 735 ILCS 5/2 — 1401 (West 2002). Petitioner contends that the circuit court did not have authority to summarily dismiss this kind of pleading.1

I. BACKGROUND

After three trials, petitioner was convicted of the murder of two of his coworkers. Petitioner was found eligible for the death penalty, but received a prison sentence of natural life.2 Petitioner…