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347 Illinois opinions name it 2 courts 1974–2026 71 in the last five years
The cases below were cited by Illinois courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.
| Case | Followed | Cited |
|---|---|---|
People v. Piatkowskigreen2 sentences2026Defendant acknowledges the argument has been forfeited and asks that we analyze the issue under the plain error doctrine. ¶ 31 The plain error doctrine allows a reviewing court to ignore procedural forfeiture and review unpreserved errors when “ ‘(1) a clear or obvious error occurs and the evidence is so closely balanced that the error alone threatened to tip the scales of justice against the defendant, regardless of the seriousness of the error, or (2) a clear or obvious error occurs and that error is so egregious that it affected the fairness of the defendant’s trial and challenged the integ 2024However, defendant asks us to review the issue under the plain-error rule, which allows appellate review of an unpreserved error when “(1) a clear or obvious error occurred and the evidence is so closely balanced that the error alone threatened to tip the scales of justice against the defendant, regardless of the seriousness of the error, or (2) a clear or obvious error occurred and that error is so serious that it affected the fairness of the defendant’s trial and challenged the integrity of the judicial process, regardless of the closeness of the evidence.” People v. Piatkowski, 225 Ill. 2d | 38 | 46 |
People v. Herrongreen2 sentences2025Defendant requests that we review the issue under the plain-error doctrine because, she asserts, the evidence was closely balanced. “[T]he plain-error doctrine bypasses normal forfeiture principles and allows a reviewing court to consider unpreserved error when either (1) the evidence is close, regardless of the seriousness of the error, or (2) the error is serious, regardless of the closeness of the evidence.” People v. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d 167, 186-87 (2005). 2022However, he requests we review the issue under the plain error doctrine. ¶ 21 The plain error doctrine “allows a reviewing court to reach a forfeited error affecting substantial rights in two circumstances.” People v. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d 167, 178 (2005). | 31 | 37 |
People v. Enochgreen2 sentences2024See People v. Enoch, 122 Ill. 2d 176, 186 (1988) (“[B]oth a trial objection and a written post-trial motion raising the issue are necessary to preserve an issue for review.”). ¶ 27 Recognizing that the issue is forfeited, defendant asks us to consider the issue under the plain-error rule. 2023See People v. Enoch, 122 Ill. 2d 176, 186 (1988) (“[B]oth a trial objection and a written post-trial motion raising the issue are necessary to preserve an issue for review.”). ¶ 27 Recognizing that the issue is forfeited, defendant asks us to consider the issue under the plain-error rule. | 15 | 33 |
People v. Thompsongreen2 sentences2023Thompson, 238 Ill. 2d at 611 . ¶ 104 Once again, the defendant argues that we should review this issue under the plain-error exception to the general forfeiture rule. 2020He otherwise suggests that we review the issue under the plain-error doctrine, which “bypasses normal forfeiture principles and allows a reviewing court to consider unpreserved claims of error in specific circumstances.” People v. Thompson, 238 Ill. 2d 598, 613 (2010). ¶ 29 To obtain relief under the plain-error doctrine, “a defendant must first show that a clear or obvious error occurred. [Citation.] In the sentencing context, a defendant must then show either that (1) the evidence at the sentencing hearing was closely balanced, or (2) the error was so egregious as to deny the defendant a fai | 13 | 19 |
In Re RABgreen2 sentences2008Although this procedural history normally results in procedural default (In re R.A.B., 197 Ill. 2d 358, 362 (2001)), defendant asks us to review the issue under the plain error doctrine. 2008Although this procedural history normally results in procedural default (In re R.A.B., 197 Ill. 2d 358, 362 (2001)), defendant asks us to review the issue under the plain error doctrine. | 8 | 9 |
People v. Lewisgreen2 sentences2013People v. Lewis, 234 Ill. 2d 32, 42 (2009). 2011People v. Lewis, 234 Ill. 2d 32, 42 , 912 N.E.2d 1220, 1226 (2009). | 8 | 8 |
People v. Hilliergreen2 sentences2026People v. Hillier, 237 Ill. 2d 539, 545 (2010). ¶ 35 As noted by the State, defendant does not acknowledge forfeiture, nor does he raise the issue under the plain-error doctrine. 2025People v. Hillier, 237 Ill. 2d 539, 544 (2010); see also 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-50(d) (West 2016) (“A defendant’s challenge to the correctness of a sentence or to any aspect of the sentencing hearing shall be made by a written motion filed with the circuit court clerk within 30 days following the imposition of sentence.”). ¶ 54 Mr. Dawson nonetheless asks that we review this issue under the plain-error doctrine, which allows a reviewing court to consider unpreserved errors when a clear or obvious error occurred and “either that (1) the evidence at the sentencing hearing was closely balanced, or (2) | 6 | 14 |
People v. Averettgreen2 sentences2023People v. Averett, 237 Ill. 2d 1, 18 (2010). 2023People v. Averett, 237 Ill. 2d 1, 18 (2010). | 5 | 5 |
People v. Hallgreen2 sentences2007Despite this forfeiture, the defendant urges us to consider this issue under the plain-error rule, which permits review where the trial evidence was closely balanced or when the error is “so substantial that it affected the fundamental fairness of the proceeding, and remedying the error is necessary to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.” People v. Hall, 194 Ill. 2d 305, 335 , 743 N.E.2d 521 (2000); 134 Ill. 2d R. 615(a). 2007Despite this forfeiture, the defendant urges us to consider this issue under the plain-error rule, which permits review where the trial evidence was closely balanced or when the error is “so substantial that it affected the fundamental fairness of the proceeding, and remedying the error is necessary to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.” People v. Hall, 194 Ill. 2d 305, 335 , 743 N.E.2d 521 (2000); 134 Ill. 2d R. 615(a). | 4 | 6 |
People v. Arnared2 sentences2014He argues, however, that a void order may be challenged at any time and a “sentence which does not conform to a statutory requirement is void.” People v. Arna, 168 Ill. 2d 107, 113 (1995). &25 Alternatively, defendant seeks review of this issue under the plain error rule, arguing that the imposition of an unauthorized sentence affected substantial rights where the State’s alleged indictment error prevented him from exercising his right to request a bifurcated proceeding. -8- No. 1-08-2747 Specifically, defendant contends that if he had known the State would seek an enhanced sentence based on h 2014He argues, however, that a void order may be challenged at any time and a “sentence which does not conform to a statutory requirement is void.” People v. Arna, 168 Ill. 2d 107, 113 (1995). &25 Alternatively, defendant seeks review of this issue under the plain error rule, arguing that the imposition of an unauthorized sentence affected substantial rights where the State’s alleged indictment error prevented him from exercising his right to request a bifurcated proceeding. | 4 | 5 |
People v. Bowmangreen2 sentences2024People v. Bowman, 325 Ill. App. 3d 411, 424 (2001); see also People v. Gardner, 348 Ill. App. 3d 479, 489 (2004) (“Defense counsel’s failure to object to the trial court’s manner of conducting the jury selection process does not prevent us from considering the issue under the plain error exception to the waiver rule.”). 2024People v. Bowman, 325 Ill. App. 3d 411, 424 (2001); see also People v. Gardner, 348 Ill. App. 3d 479, 489 (2004) (“Defense counsel’s failure to object to the trial court’s manner of conducting the jury selection process does not prevent us from considering the issue under the plain error exception to the waiver rule.”). | 4 | 4 |
People v. Ramseygreen2 sentences2023People v. Ramsey, 239 Ill. 2d 342, 412 (2010). ¶ 20 The plain-error doctrine applies when a clear or obvious error has occurred, and either (1) the evidence was so closely balanced that the error alone threatened to tip the scales of justice against the defendant or (2) the error was so serious that it affected the fairness of the defendant’s trial and challenged the integrity of the judicial process. 2022See People v. Ramsey, 239 Ill. 2d 342, 412 (2010) (“although defendant did not argue plain error in his opening brief, he has argued plain error in his reply brief, which is sufficient to allow us to review the issue for plain error”). | 4 | 4 |
People v. Keenegreen2 sentences2003"For this court to review an issue under the plain error doctrine, `the asserted error must be something "fundamental to the integrity of the judicial process." [Citation.]'" Gonzalez, 326 Ill.App.3d at 635 , 260 Ill.Dec. 354 , 761 N.E.2d 198 , quoting Keene, 169 Ill.2d at 17 , 214 Ill.Dec. 194 , 660 N.E.2d 901 . 2003"For this court to review an issue under the plain error doctrine, `the asserted error must be something "fundamental to the integrity of the judicial process." [Citation.]'" Gonzalez, 326 Ill.App.3d at 635 , 260 Ill.Dec. 354 , 761 N.E.2d 198 , quoting Keene, 169 Ill.2d at 17 , 214 Ill.Dec. 194 , 660 N.E.2d 901 . | 3 | 8 |
People v. Smithgreen2 sentences1989Moreover, even if waiver were an appropriate argument in this case, this court would elect to address the issue under the plain error doctrine (People v. Smith (1985), 106 Ill. 2d 327 , 478 N.E.2d 357 ) and would reach the same conclusion. 1989Moreover, even if waiver were an appropriate argument in this case, this court would elect to address the issue under the plain error doctrine (People v. Smith (1985), 106 Ill. 2d 327 , 478 N.E.2d 357 ) and would reach the same conclusion. | 3 | 6 |
Strickland v. Washingtongreen2 sentences2018In response, defendant admits that he waived this issue for appeal by failing to object at trial, and asks us either to consider the issue under the plain error doctrine (People v. Piatkowski, 225 Ill. 2d 551, 565 (2007)) or to consider his failure to object as ineffective assistance of his trial counsel (Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 686 (1984)). ¶ 50 The plain error doctrine allows a reviewing court to consider an unpreserved error when (1) a clear or obvious error occurred and the evidence is so closely balanced that the error alone threatened to tip the scales of justice against 2017In response, defendant admits that he waived this issue for appeal by failing to object at trial, and asks us either to consider the issue under the plain error doctrine ( People v. Piatkowski , 225 Ill. 2d 551 , 565, 312 Ill.Dec. 338 , 870 N.E.2d 403 (2007) ) or to consider his failure to object as ineffective assistance of his trial counsel ( Strickland v. Washington , 466 U.S. 668 , 686, 104 S.Ct. 2052 , 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984) ). ¶ 50 The plain error doctrine allows a reviewing court to consider an unpreserved error when (1) a clear or obvious error occurred and the evidence is so closely ba | 3 | 4 |
People v. Herrettgreen2 sentences2004See People v. Herrett, 137 Ill.2d 195 , 148 Ill.Dec. 695 , 561 N.E.2d 1 (1990). 2004See People v. Herrett, 137 Ill.2d 195 , 148 Ill.Dec. 695 , 561 N.E.2d 1 (1990). | 3 | 4 |
People v. Johnsongreen2 sentences2021See People v. Johnson, 218 Ill. 2d 125, 139 (2005) (“Clearly, there can be no plain error if there is no error ***.”). 2021People v. Johnson, 218 Ill. 2d 125, 139 (2005) (“Clearly, there can be no plain error if there is no error”). | 3 | 3 |
People v. Harveygreen2 sentences2020We decline to do so, however, as “plain-error review is forfeited when the defendant invites the error.” People v. Harding, 2012 IL App (2d) 101011, ¶ 17 . “ ‘[A] defendant’s invitation or agreement to the procedure later challenged on appeal “goes beyond mere waiver.” ’ ” Id. (quoting Harvey, 211 Ill. 2d at 385 , quoting Villarreal, 198 Ill. 2d at 227 ). 2012People v. Harvey, 211 Ill.2d 368, 389 , 286 Ill.Dec. 124 , 813 N.E.2d 181, 194 (2004). | 2 | 6 |
People v. Blackwellgreen2 sentences2004People v. Blackwell, 164 Ill. 2d 67 , 646 N.E.2d 610 (1995). 2004People v. Blackwell, 164 Ill. 2d 67 , 646 N.E.2d 610 (1995). | 2 | 5 |
People v. Smithgreen2 sentences2008We first consider whether there was error (Smith, 372 Ill. 2008However, we must first determine whether error occurred at all (Smith, 372 Ill. | 2 | 4 |
People v. Taylorgreen2 sentences2002People v. Smith, 106 Ill. 2d 327, 333 (1985); People v. Taylor, 291 Ill. 2002R.A.B., 197 Ill. 2d at 363 , citing People v. Smith, 106 Ill. 2d 327, 333 (1985); People v. Taylor, 291 Ill. | 2 | 4 |
People v. Fieldsgreen2 sentences1991(People v. Fields (1990), 135 Ill. 2d 18, 59-60 , 552 N.E.2d 791, 809-10 .) Nevertheless, we review the issue under the plain error doctrine. 73 Ill. 2d R. 615(a). 1991(People v. Fields (1990), 135 Ill. 2d 18, 59-60 , 552 N.E.2d 791, 809-10 .) Nevertheless, we review the issue under the plain error doctrine. 73 Ill. 2d R. 615(a). | 2 | 4 |
People v. Byrongreen2 sentences2006The plain error rule allows a reviewing court to consider trial errors not properly preserved when A >(1) the evidence in a criminal case is closely balanced or (2) where the error is so fundamental and of such magnitude that the accused was denied a right to a fair trial.= @ People v. Harvey, 211 Ill. 2d 368, 387 , 813 N.E.2d 181 (2004), quoting People v. Byron, 164 Ill. 2d 279, 293 , 647 N.E.2d 946 (1995). 2006The plain error rule allows a reviewing court to consider trial errors not properly preserved when A >(1) the evidence in a criminal case is closely balanced or (2) where the error is so fundamental and of such magnitude that the accused was denied a right to a fair trial.= @ People v. Harvey, 211 Ill. 2d 368, 387 , 813 N.E.2d 181 (2004), quoting People v. Byron, 164 Ill. 2d 279, 293 , 647 N.E.2d 946 (1995). | 2 | 3 |
| People v. Younggreen | 2 | 3 |
| People v. Gardnergreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Acostagreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Vernongreen | 2 | 2 |
| In Re Detention of Swopegreen | 2 | 2 |
| In re Matter of Chance H.green | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Laugharngreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Davisgreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Caffeygreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Oterogreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Sandersgreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Victorsgreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Thomasgreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Rowjeegreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Moshiergreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Pearsongreen | 2 | 2 |
| People v. Langleygreen | 2 | 2 |
| Case | Negative | Cited |
|---|---|---|
| No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Illinois. Read the followed side critically anyway. | ||
| Case | Cited | Years |
|---|---|---|
People v. Carlson
green
2 sentences1985(People v. Pickett (1973), 54 Ill. 2d 280 , 296 N.E.2d 856 .) While defendant concedes the absence of any objection to the testimony, he urges us to consider this issue under the plain-error doctrine expressed in Supreme Court Rule 615(a), which provides: “Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the trial court.” (87 Ill. 2d R. 615(a).) It is well settled, however, that the plain-error exception to the general waiver rule is a limited one and does not operate as a general savings clause preserving for review all err 1985(People v. Pickett (1973), 54 Ill. 2d 280 , 296 N.E.2d 856 .) While defendant concedes the absence of any objection to the testimony, he urges us to consider this issue under the plain-error doctrine expressed in Supreme Court Rule 615(a), which provides: “Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the trial court.” (87 Ill. 2d R. 615(a).) It is well settled, however, that the plain-error exception to the general waiver rule is a limited one and does not operate as a general savings clause preserving for review all err | 8 | 1984–2003 |
People v. Sebby
green
2 sentences2025People v. Sebby, 2017 IL 119445 , ¶ 48. 2020He nevertheless urges this court to review the issue under the plain error doctrine. ¶ 45 A reviewing court may consider an unpreserved error where a clear or obvious error occurred and one of two circumstances exist: (1) “the evidence is so closely balanced that the error alone threatened to tip the scales of justice against the defendant, regardless of the seriousness of the error,” or (2) the “error is so serious that it affected the fairness of the defendant’s trial and challenged the integrity of the judicial process, regardless of the closeness of the evidence.” (Internal quotation marks | 6 | 2017–2025 |
People v. Towns
green
2 sentences2003See 134 Ill.2d R. 615(a); Towns, 174 Ill.2d at 464 , 221 Ill.Dec. 419 , 675 N.E.2d 614 , citing People v. Carlson, 79 Ill.2d 564 , 38 Ill.Dec. 809 , 404 N.E.2d 233 (1980) (stating that, under the plain error doctrine, courts may address a waived issue if the evidence is closely balanced or if the error affects substantial rights). 2003See 134 Ill.2d R. 615(a); Towns, 174 Ill.2d at 464 , 221 Ill.Dec. 419 , 675 N.E.2d 614 , citing People v. Carlson, 79 Ill.2d 564 , 38 Ill.Dec. 809 , 404 N.E.2d 233 (1980) (stating that, under the plain error doctrine, courts may address a waived issue if the evidence is closely balanced or if the error affects substantial rights). | 4 | 2002–2003 |
People v. Jones
green
2 sentences2025Under either theory, we first must consider whether an error occurred as “[a]bsent a clear or obvious error ***, neither the doctrine of plain error nor a theory of ineffective assistance affords any relief from the forfeiture.” People v. Jones, 2020 IL App (4th) 190909, ¶ 179 . ¶ 22 The Illinois Constitution requires that “[a]ll penalties shall be determined both according to the seriousness of the offense and with the objective of restoring the offender to useful citizenship.” Ill. 2025Under either theory, we first must consider whether an error occurred as “[a]bsent a clear or obvious error ***, neither the doctrine of plain error nor a theory of ineffective assistance affords any relief from the forfeiture.” People v. Jones, 2020 IL App (4th) 190909, ¶ 179 . ¶ 21 The Illinois Constitution requires that “[a]ll penalties shall be determined both according to the seriousness of the offense and with the objective of restoring the offender to useful citizenship.” Ill. | 3 | 2024–2025 |
People v. Sanders
green
2 sentences2025It was not a mere technical - 26 - defect or an error in a non-mandatory instruction which frequently may be remedied by reading the entire series of instructions as a whole.” Id. at 563 . 1986App. 3d 552 , 472 N.E.2d 1156 .) We thus consider the issue under the plain error doctrine. | 3 | 1986–2025 |
People v. Graham
green
2 sentences2003Defendant argues that even if he did not preserve the issue for appeal, we should consider the issue under the plain-error doctrine. “ ‘Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the trial court.’ 134 Ill. 2d R. 615(a).” Graham, 206 Ill. 2d at 475 , 795 N.E.2d at 238 . 2003Defendant argues that even if he did not preserve the issue for appeal, we should consider the issue under the plain-error doctrine. “ ‘Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the trial court.’ 134 Ill. 2d R. 615(a).” Graham, 206 Ill. 2d at 475 , 795 N.E.2d at 238 . | 3 | 2003–2004 |
| People v. Harding green | 2 | 2020–2026 |
| People v. Moon green | 2 | 2023–2024 |
| People v. Mosley green | 2 | 2024–2024 |
| People v. Smith green | 2 | 2024–2024 |
| People v. McKinney green | 2 | 2024–2024 |
| People v. Holmes green | 2 | 2024–2024 |
| People v. Walsh green | 2 | 2021–2022 |
| People v. McClendon green | 2 | 2018–2019 |
| People v. Denson green | 2 | 2017–2018 |
| People v. Gutman green | 2 | 2011–2011 |
| People v. Woods green | 2 | 2010–2010 |
| People v. McCormick green | 2 | 2008–2008 |
| People v. Hernandez green | 2 | 2008–2008 |
| People v. Allen green | 2 | 2006–2006 |
| People v. Atkins green | 2 | 2005–2005 |
| People v. Gonzalez green | 2 | 2003–2003 |
| People v. Andre D. green | 2 | 2003–2003 |
| People v. Donoho green | 2 | 2003–2003 |
| People v. Bunning green | 2 | 2002–2002 |
| People v. Parchman green | 2 | 1999–1999 |
| People v. E.Z. green | 2 | 1998–1998 |
| People v. Smith green | 2 | 1997–1997 |
| People v. Berry green | 2 | 1997–1997 |
| People v. Szabo green | 2 | 1997–1997 |
| People v. Reid green | 2 | 1992–1993 |
| People v. Lucas green | 2 | 1989–1991 |
Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.
Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.