clear and convincing evidence standard (Illinois) · Go Syfert
← Illinois issues

clear and convincing evidence standard in Illinois

58 Illinois opinions name it 2 courts 1977–2026 9 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.

Followed or applied (21)

CaseFollowedCited
Bazydlo v. Volantgreen
ill · 1995 · cited in 3 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2017–2025
2 sentences

2025Our supreme court has defined “clear and convincing evidence” as “more than a preponderance while not quite approaching the degree of proof necessary to convict a person of a criminal offense.” Bazydlo v. Volant, 164 Ill. 2d 207, 213 (1995).

2017Although stated in terms of reasonable doubt, courts consider clear and convincing evidence to be more than a preponderance while not quite approaching the degree of proof necessary to convict a person of a criminal offense.” Bazydlo v. Volant, 164 Ill. 2d 207, 213 (1995). ¶ 83 “Whether and to what extent a person needs a guardian is a factual determination to be made by the trial court and which a reviewing court may not reverse unless it is against the manifest weight of the evidence.” In re Estate of Silverman, 257 Ill.

33
Santosky v. Kramergreen
scotus · 1982 · cited in 7 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1984–2004
2 sentences

2004App. 3d 133, 150 (2003) (holding that due process requires only a preponderance of the evidence burden of proof in the best interest phase versus a clear and convincing evidence standard in the unfitness phase); see also Santosky v. Kramer , 455 U.S. 745, 760-61 , 71 L.

2004App. 3d 133, 150 (2003) (holding that due process requires only a preponderance of the evidence burden of proof in the best interest phase versus a clear and convincing evidence standard in the unfitness phase); see also Santosky v. Kramer , 455 U.S. 745, 760-61 , 71 L.

27
People v. Delores W.green
ill · 2008 · cited in 3 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2018–2019
2 sentences

2019He cites In re Mark W., 228 Ill. 2d 365, 374-75 , 888 N.E.2d 15, 20 (2008), for the proposition that a person who has been adjudicated as disabled is viewed as a favored person entitled to the court’s vigilant protection.

2019He cites In re Mark W., 228 Ill. 2d 365, 374-75 , 888 N.E.2d 15, 20 (2008), for the proposition that a person who has been adjudicated as disabled is viewed as a favored person entitled to the court’s vigilant protection.

23
In Re Marriage of Henkegreen
illappct · 2000 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2023–2025
2 sentences

2025See In re Marriage of Henke, 313 Ill.

2023In re Marriage of Henke, 313 Ill.

22
Kessler v. Zekmangreen
illappct · 1993 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
2 sentences

2023Stated differently, the relevant inquiry is whether the material submitted, viewed in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, could support a reasonable trier of fact finding actual malice “by the clear and convincing evidence standard.” Kessler v. Zekman, 250 Ill.

2023Thus, because of the heightened standard at issue here, “in order to withstand a summary judgment motion a plaintiff must present evidence such that a reasonable trier of fact could find that [plaintiff] had established the requisite -7- No. 1-22-1098 fault by the clear and convincing evidence standard.” Kessler v. Zekman, 250 Ill.

22
In Re Estate of Silvermangreen
illappct · 1993 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
2 sentences

2017Although stated in terms of reasonable doubt, courts consider clear and convincing evidence to be more than a preponderance while not quite approaching the degree of proof necessary to convict a person of a criminal offense.” Bazydlo v. Volant, 164 Ill. 2d 207, 213 (1995). ¶ 83 “Whether and to what extent a person needs a guardian is a factual determination to be made by the trial court and which a reviewing court may not reverse unless it is against the manifest weight of the evidence.” In re Estate of Silverman, 257 Ill.

2017Although stated in terms of reasonable doubt, courts consider clear and convincing evidence to be more than a preponderance while not quite approaching the degree of proof necessary to convict a person of a criminal offense.” Bazydlo v. Volant, 164 Ill. 2d 207, 213 (1995). ¶ 83 “Whether and to what extent a person needs a guardian is a factual determination to be made by the trial court and which a reviewing court may not reverse unless it is against the manifest weight of the evidence.” In re Estate of Silverman, 257 Ill.

22
In Re DTgreen
ill · 2004 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
2 sentences

2010In re D.T., 212 Ill. 2d at 361, 818 N.E.2d at 1225.

2010In re D.T., 212 Ill. 2d at 361, 818 N.E.2d at 1225.

22
People v. Michelle J.green
ill · 2004 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008See In re Michelle J., 209 Ill. 2d 428, 438 , 808 N.E.2d 987, 992 (2004) (“If the State adduced no valid evidentiary basis for the relief it sought, it necessarily follows that it failed to establish its case by clear and convincing evidence”); State Bank of Countryside v. City of Chicago, 287 Ill.

2008See In re Michelle J., 209 Ill. 2d 428, 438 , 808 N.E.2d 987, 992 (2004) (“If the State adduced no valid evidentiary basis for the relief it sought, it necessarily follows that it failed to establish its case by clear and convincing evidence”); State Bank of Countryside v. City of Chicago, 287 Ill.

22
McClure v. Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp.green
ill · 1999 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
2 sentences

2005McClure v. Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp., 188 Ill. 2d 102, 134 , 720 N.E.2d 242, 258 (1999) (conspiracy to conceal danger of asbestos); Bosak v. McDonough, 192 Ill.

2005McClure v. Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp., 188 Ill. 2d 102, 134 , 720 N.E.2d 242, 258 (1999) (conspiracy to conceal danger of asbestos); Bosak v. McDonough, 192 Ill.

22
Addington v. Texasgreen
scotus · 1979 · cited in 3 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1986–2003
2 sentences

1986Citing Santosky v. Kramer (1982), 455 U.S. 745 , 71 L.Ed.2d 599 , 102 S.Ct. 1388 , Addington v. Texas (1979), 441 U.S. 418 , 60 L.Ed.2d 323 , 99 S.Ct. 1804 , and Board of Regents v. Roth (1972), 408 U.S. 564 , 33 L.Ed.2d 548 , 92 S.Ct. 2701 , however, Kimbrough maintains that due process requires that the clear and convincing evidence standard of proof be used in tenured-teacher dismissal proceedings in which conduct that might also constitute a crime is charged.

1986Citing Santosky v. Kramer (1982), 455 U.S. 745 , 71 L.Ed.2d 599 , 102 S.Ct. 1388 , Addington v. Texas (1979), 441 U.S. 418 , 60 L.Ed.2d 323 , 99 S.Ct. 1804 , and Board of Regents v. Roth (1972), 408 U.S. 564 , 33 L.Ed.2d 548 , 92 S.Ct. 2701 , however, Kimbrough maintains that due process requires that the clear and convincing evidence standard of proof be used in tenured-teacher dismissal proceedings in which conduct that might also constitute a crime is charged.

13
Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc.green
scotus · 1986 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1993–2023
2 sentences

2023App. 3d 172, 190 , 620 N.E.2d 1249, 1261 (1993); see Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255 (stating an “appropriate summary judgment question will be whether the evidence in the record could support a reasonable jury finding *** that the plaintiff has shown actual malice by clear and convincing evidence”). ¶ 50 D.

1993(Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. at 257 , 91 L.

12
In Re Marriage of Knoche and Meyergreen
illappct · 2001 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
2 sentences

2003In re Marriage of Knoche, 322 Ill.App.3d 297, 306 , 255 Ill.Dec. 716 , 750 N.E.2d 297 (2001); In re Estate of Blom, 234 Ill.

2003In re Marriage of Knoche, 322 Ill.App.3d 297, 306 , 255 Ill.Dec. 716 , 750 N.E.2d 297 (2001); In re Estate of Blom, 234 Ill.

12
In Re WINSHIPgreen
scotus · 1970 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1977–2003
2 sentences

2003"The function of a standard of proof, as that concept is embodied in the Due Process Clause and in the realm of factfinding, is to `instruct the factfinder concerning the degree of confidence our society thinks he should have in the correctness of factual conclusions for a particular type of adjudication.' Addington v. Texas, 441 U.S. 418, 423 , 99 S.Ct. 1804, 1808 , 60 L.Ed.2d 323, 329 (1979), quoting In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 370 , 90 S.Ct. 1068, 1076 , 25 L.Ed.2d 368, 379 (1970) (Harlan, J., concurring).

2003"The function of a standard of proof, as that concept is embodied in the Due Process Clause and in the realm of factfinding, is to `instruct the factfinder concerning the degree of confidence our society thinks he should have in the correctness of factual conclusions for a particular type of adjudication.' Addington v. Texas, 441 U.S. 418, 423 , 99 S.Ct. 1804, 1808 , 60 L.Ed.2d 323, 329 (1979), quoting In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 370 , 90 S.Ct. 1068, 1076 , 25 L.Ed.2d 368, 379 (1970) (Harlan, J., concurring).

12
In Re BCgreen
illappct · 1993 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
2 sentences

1997Respondent relies upon the third district case In re B.C., 247 Ill.App.3d 803,806-07 , 187 Ill.Dec. 486 , 617 N.E.2d 1207 (1993), in which the appellate court held that the State did not prove by clear and convincing evidence that the termination of parental rights was in the child's best interests.

1997Respondent relies upon the third district case In re B.C., 247 Ill.App.3d 803,806-07 , 187 Ill.Dec. 486 , 617 N.E.2d 1207 (1993), in which the appellate court held that the State did not prove by clear and convincing evidence that the termination of parental rights was in the child's best interests.

12
Galapeaux v. Orvillergreen
ill · 1954 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1977–1977
2 sentences

1977It is generally held that in order to satisfy the standard a fact must be established “in certain, definite and unequivocal terms and be so convincing that it will leave no reasonable doubt in the mind of the court.” (Galapeaux v. Orviller, 4 Ill. 2d 442, 446 , 123 N.E.2d 321 , citing Williams v. Corcoran, 346 Ill. 105, 106 , 178 N.E. 348 .) The Illinois formulation of the clear and convincing standard is consistent with that of most jurisdictions.

1977It is generally held that in order to satisfy the standard a fact must be established “in certain, definite and unequivocal terms and be so convincing that it will leave no reasonable doubt in the mind of the court.” (Galapeaux v. Orviller, 4 Ill. 2d 442, 446 , 123 N.E.2d 321 , citing Williams v. Corcoran, 346 Ill. 105, 106 , 178 N.E. 348 .) The Illinois formulation of the clear and convincing standard is consistent with that of most jurisdictions.

12
People v. Lambertgreen
ill · 1984 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
11
People v. Moralesgreen
illappct · 2024 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
11
People v. Casegreen
illappct · 1991 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
11
In Re Estate of Blomgreen
illappct · 1992 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
Chicago Land Clearance Commission v. Yablonggreen
ill · 1960 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1977–1977
11
Wright v. Wrightgreen
ill · 1954 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1977–1977
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Illinois. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (27)

CaseCitedYears
In re Davon H. green
illappct · 2016
2 sentences

2019Davon H., 2015 IL App (1st) 150926, ¶ 47 .

2018Davon H. , 2015 IL App (1st) 150926 , ¶ 47, 398 Ill.Dec. 732 , 44 N.E.3d 1144 .

32018–2019
In Re Stephenson green
ill · 1977
2 sentences

1977(In re Stephenson, 67 Ill. 2d 544 , 367 N.E.2d 1273 .) The court determined that the clear and convincing standard “requires a high level of certainty before finding an individual in need of mental treatment and curtailing his liberty, but does not place an impossible burden on the State in proving its case.” ( 67 Ill. 2d 544, 556-57 .) This clear and convincing evidence standard is applicable in a variety of contexts and a number of Illinois decisions have discussed the essential requisites of the standard.

1977(In re Stephenson, 67 Ill. 2d 544 , 367 N.E.2d 1273 .) The court determined that the clear and convincing standard “requires a high level of certainty before finding an individual in need of mental treatment and curtailing his liberty, but does not place an impossible burden on the State in proving its case.” ( 67 Ill. 2d 544, 556-57 .) This clear and convincing evidence standard is applicable in a variety of contexts and a number of Illinois decisions have discussed the essential requisites of the standard.

31977–1978
C.L. v. Makiah L. green
illappct · 2018
2 sentences

2025See 705 ILCS 405/2-29 (West 2024); In re C.L., 2018 IL App (1st) 180577 , ¶ 41.

2025See 705 ILCS 405/2-29 (West 2024); In re C.L., 2018 IL App (1st) 180577 , ¶ 41.

22025–2025
People v. Donath green
illappct · 2013
2 sentences

2017Rather than combining the Collins reasonable doubt standard of review with the clear and convincing evidence standard, we find that the proper standard of review was whether the court’s determination was against the manifest weight of the evidence, as set forth in Donath, 2013 IL App (3d) 120251, ¶ 38 , and Sandry, 367 Ill.

2017Rather than combining the Collins reasonable doubt standard of review with the clear and convincing evidence standard, we find that the proper standard of review was whether the court’s determination was against the manifest weight of the evidence, as set forth in Donath, 2013 IL App (3d) 120251, ¶ 38 , and Sandry, 367 Ill.

22017–2017
In Re Commitment of Sandry green
illappct · 2006
2 sentences

2017Rather than combining the Collins reasonable doubt standard of review with the clear and convincing evidence standard, we find that the proper standard of review was whether the court’s determination was against the manifest weight of the evidence, as set forth in Donath, 2013 IL App (3d) 120251, ¶ 38 , and Sandry, 367 Ill.

2017Rather than combining the Collins reasonable doubt standard of review with the clear and convincing evidence standard, we find that the proper standard of review was whether the court’s determination was against the manifest weight of the evidence, as set forth in Donath, 2013 IL App (3d) 120251, ¶ 38 , and Sandry, 367 Ill.

22017–2017
Pineschi v. Rock River Water Reclamation District green
illappct · 2004
2 sentences

2015Id. at 724 .

2014Id. at 724 .

22014–2015
State Bank of Countryside v. City of Chicago green
illappct · 1997
2 sentences

2008See In re Michelle J., 209 Ill. 2d 428, 438 , 808 N.E.2d 987, 992 (2004) (“If the State adduced no valid evidentiary basis for the relief it sought, it necessarily follows that it failed to establish its case by clear and convincing evidence”); State Bank of Countryside v. City of Chicago, 287 Ill.

2008See Michelle J., 209 Ill.2d 428, 438 , 283 Ill.Dec. 699 , 808 N.E.2d 987, 992 (2004) ("If the State adduced *251 no valid evidentiary basis for the relief it sought, it necessarily follows that it failed to establish its case by clear and convincing evidence"); State Bank of Countryside v. City of Chicago, 287 Ill.

22008–2008
People v. Alaka W. green
illappct · 2008
2 sentences

2008In re Alaka W., 379 Ill.App.3d at 263 , 318 Ill.Dec. 686 , 884 N.E.2d 241 .

2008In re Alaka W., 379 Ill.App.3d at 263 , 318 Ill.Dec. 686 , 884 N.E.2d 241 .

22008–2008
Bosak v. McDonough green
illappct · 1989
2 sentences

2005McClure v. Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp. , 188 Ill. 2d 102, 134 , 720 N.E.2d 242, 258 (1999) (conspiracy to conceal danger of asbestos); Bosak v. McDonough , 192 Ill.

2005McClure v. Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp., 188 Ill. 2d 102, 134 , 720 N.E.2d 242, 258 (1999) (conspiracy to conceal danger of asbestos); Bosak v. McDonough, 192 Ill.

22005–2005
In Re Custody of Dykhuis green
illappct · 1985
2 sentences

2001In re Custody of Dykhuis, 131 Ill.

2001In re Custody of Dykhuis , 131 Ill.

22001–2001
Helvey v. Rednour neutral
illappct · 1980
2 sentences

1994They assert that the right to privacy explicitly granted in Article I of the Illinois Constitution must be applied to the parenting context "without restrictions." It is well-settled that, "[a]s with other fundamental rights, the right to establish a family and raise children may be curtailed or eliminated by State law if the purpose of the law is to advance a compelling State interest." ( Helvey v. Rednour (1980), 86 Ill.App.3d 154, 158 , 41 Ill.Dec. 671 , 408 N.E.2d 17 .) Further, "the protection of the welfare of a child has been recognized as being a sufficiently compelling interest" to ov

1994They assert that the right to privacy explicitly granted in article I of the Illinois Constitution must be applied to the parenting context "without restrictions.” •2 It is well settled that, "[a]s with other fundamental rights, the right to establish a family and raise children may be curtailed or eliminated by State law if the purpose of the law is to advance a compelling State interest.” (Helvey v. Rednour (1980), 86 Ill.

21994–1994
People v. Enis green
ill · 1988
2 sentences

1994(See Enis, 121 Ill.2d at 132-33 , 117 Ill.Dec. 201 , 520 N.E.2d 362 .) Therefore, the parents' due process rights were not violated by the trial judge's failure to use the clear and convincing evidence standard in her determination that the parents were unfit to regain custody of their children under section 2-23. *724 Sandy and James additionally argue that the trial judge violated their Illinois Constitutional right to privacy by not applying a clear and convincing evidence standard.

1994(See Enis, 121 Ill. 2d at 132-33 .) Therefore, the parents’ due process rights were not violated by the trial judge’s failure to use the clear and convincing evidence standard in her determination that the parents .were unfit to regain custody of their children under section 2 — 23.

21994–1994
Drezner v. Civil Service Commission green
ill · 1947
2 sentences

1986The appellate court, citing Drezner v. Civil Service Com. (1947), 398 Ill. 219 , held that the hearing officer was correct in the standard of proof that he chose (clear and convincing). 134 Ill.

1986The appellate court, citing Drezner v. Civil Service Com. (1947), 398 Ill. 219 , held that the hearing officer was correct in the standard of proof that he chose (clear and convincing). 134 Ill.

21986–1986
Board of Regents of State Colleges v. Roth green
scotus · 1972
2 sentences

1986Citing Santosky v. Kramer (1982), 455 U.S. 745 , 71 L.Ed.2d 599 , 102 S.Ct. 1388 , Addington v. Texas (1979), 441 U.S. 418 , 60 L.Ed.2d 323 , 99 S.Ct. 1804 , and Board of Regents v. Roth (1972), 408 U.S. 564 , 33 L.Ed.2d 548 , 92 S.Ct. 2701 , however, Kimbrough maintains that due process requires that the clear and convincing evidence standard of proof be used in tenured-teacher dismissal proceedings in which conduct that might also constitute a crime is charged.

1986Ed. 2d 548 , 92 S. Ct. 2701 , however, Kimbrough maintains that due process requires that the clear and convincing evidence standard of proof be used in tenured-teacher dismissal proceedings in which conduct that might also constitute a crime is charged.

21986–1986
Kimbrough v. Board of Education neutral
illappct · 1985
2 sentences

1986The appellate court, citing Drezner v. Civil Service Com. (1947), 398 Ill. 219 , held that the hearing officer was correct in the standard of proof that he chose (clear and convincing). 134 Ill.

1986The appellate court, citing Drezner v. Civil Service Com. (1947), 398 Ill. 219 , held that the hearing officer was correct in the standard of proof that he chose (clear and convincing). 134 Ill.

21986–1986
People v. C.S. green
illappct · 2008
12009–2009
In Re CS green
illappct · 2008
12009–2009
In Interest of Sa green
illappct · 1998
12003–2003
Cruzan Ex Rel. Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health green
scotus · 1990
11995–1995
In Re Marriage of Hagshenas green
illappct · 1992
11994–1994
In Re Marriage of Partyka green
illappct · 1987
11994–1994
La Salle National Bank v. 850 De Witt Condominium Ass'n green
illappct · 1991
11993–1993
319 South La Salle Corp. v. Lopin green
illappct · 1974
11987–1987
In Re Jones green
illappct · 1975
11980–1980
Williams v. Corcoran neutral
ill · 1931
11977–1977
Lynch v. Overholser green
scotus · 1962
11977–1977
French v. Blackburn green
ncmd · 1977
11977–1977

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IL § 750 ILCS 50/1 (9) IL § 705 ILCS 405/2-29 (6) IL § 755 ILCS 5/11a-18 (6) IL § 705 ILCS 405/2-3 (5) IL § 705 ILCS 405/1-3 (4) IL § 725 ILCS 205/9 (4) IL § 750 ILCS 50/8 (4) IL § 705 ILCS 405/1-2 (3) IL § 705 ILCS 405/2-21 (3) IL § 705 ILCS 405/2-23 (3) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-619 (3) IL § 755 ILCS 5/1-1 (3)

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.

Where else courts name it

TN 374 (1996–2026) TX 306 (1980–2026) CA 247 (1948–2026) OH 185 (1987–2026) PA 115 (1983–2026) NY 101 (1980–2026) OR 97 (1981–2026) AL 81 (1979–2026) MI 79 (1978–2026) IN 64 (1983–2026) FL 62 (1974–2025) IL 58 (1977–2026) NM 52 (1982–2026) DC 49 (1981–2025) CT 47 (1986–2025) AK 44 (1983–2025) KS 40 (1979–2026) GA 37 (1984–2021) OK 35 (1995–2024) LA 35 (1991–2025) MD 34 (1976–2021) AZ 33 (1969–2026) CO 30 (1982–2025) MN 29 (1987–2025) VT 29 (1983–2026) ME 28 (1984–2024) NJ 28 (1979–2021) IA 24 (1982–2025) WA 24 (1986–2026) UT 22 (1951–2024) MO 21 (1992–2025) NC 18 (1983–2024) WI 18 (1967–2025) NV 16 (1986–2025) VA 16 (1995–2022) SD 15 (1975–2011) MA 13 (1984–2026) ND 13 (1986–2026) MS 13 (1989–2024) HI 11 (1963–2026) ID 11 (1975–2024) KY 11 (1986–2025) DE 9 (1982–2025) RI 8 (1989–2026) WY 7 (1986–2022) NE 7 (1993–2024) MT 7 (1997–2021) WV 6 (2019–2026) AR 5 (1979–2016) VI 4 (2013–2025) NH 4 (2011–2025) SC 2 (2001–2015)

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.

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