The Illinois Rules of Civil Procedure lays= down the rules that should be followed by Illinois state courts. The rules govern civil actions. The rules are promulgated for the smooth and efficient functioning of state courts. A civil action commences with the filing of a complaint. Party who commences the action is called the plaintiff, and the opposite party is called the defendant. Once a complaint is filed, the court clerk will issue the required summons to the defendant(s) upon plaintiff’s request.
The main types of pleadings in Illinois courts are: Complaint, Answer to Complaint, Counter claim and Reply to Answer.
After commencement of the action, a party may demand for trial by jury. The party must make the demand not later than filing his/her answer. If not, it will be deemed that the party has waived his/her right to jury trial. A judgment is passed after trial.
