Smith v. Freeman

902 N.E.2d 1069 (2009)

232 Ill.2d 218

Maxine SMITH et al., Appellants,

v.

Janet FREEMAN et al., Appellees.

No. 106010.

Supreme Court of Illinois.

January 23, 2009.

Mark E. Bovard, of Heller, Holmes & Associates, P.C., Mattoon, for appellants.

Martin W. Siemer, of Siemer, Austin, Resch, Fuhr & Totten, Effingham, for appellees.

OPINION

In this case, we must determine whether a successor judge may render a decision and enter judgment based on transcripts of testimony and documentary evidence offered at trial before a predecessor judge. Here, the parties agreed by way of stipulation that the successor judge…