Peterson becomes newest circuit judge

Circuit Judge Lance Peterson was a little late for his own swearing-in ceremony Monday, but with good reason.

“Because I was still hearing my 9 o’clock court call,” he said afterward. “But we did get held up a little, also, because another judge was running slightly behind.”

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride presided at the ceremony, swearing Peterson into the new judicial seat he won in a contested race during the Nov. 2 general election.

In his acceptance speech, Peterson said he would put the Grundy County Courthouse up against any courthouse in the state because of the people who work in and operate the facility.

“They are friendly, have common sense, and a sense of humor,” he said. “If you’ve been in the justice system any length of time, you realize you’d better have a sense of humor, or it will beat you — it will get you down. And that is done while maintaining the very highest level of professionalism.”

At his side as he took the oath were his wife, Julie Peterson, and the couple’s two children, Maria, 9, and Eric, 5.

“Whenever I say I can’t do it, he says you never say never,” Maria said after the ceremony, when asked about her father. “And that’s how he was in this election.”

In going forward as the new judge on the 13th Judicial Circuit — an opening created by the General Assembly earlier this year — Peterson pledged to continue his life-long commitment to the community, and noted three ways to accomplish this goal.

“You work hard, know the law, do your homework and read,” he said. “If a judge does those three things — and I stand here committed to do it — the judge will always be fair, and will always render decisions that are just.”

Peterson added that he will be cognizant always that judges’ decisions are the most important decisions in the lives of people while they are in the courtroom.

“My commitment to all of you as I go forward with this new position is, I will always be cognizant of the magnitude of the decision,” he said. “I will always work hard to read and know the law, and I will always appreciate listening to the attorneys and getting feedback on how we’re practicing law in Grundy County so that my decisions are thorough, fair, and just.”

Peterson thanked his family, all the judges present at the ceremony, and everyone else in the audience.

“This is truly humbling,” he said.

Third Appellate Court Justice Mary Kay O’Brien of Essex, a former 75th District state representative, noted during the ceremony that hers and Peterson’s path have crossed a lot in the 16 years they’ve known each other.

She said she has been there for some major milestones in his life, including the birth of his children and when he became associate judge nine years ago.

“To watch you and your family is true testament that you are the person you are, and the judge you are, because of the life experiences and all the times around the kitchen table with your grandmothers, aunts and other family members, friends and colleagues,” she said.

“They are the type of person and type of judge you’ve become. That was recognized in the last election, and your time as associate judge, that you’re fair, well rounded, have common sense.”

Every judicial decision made by Peterson reflects on his upbringing, O’Brien added.

“I’m really proud to call him a friend,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder that he’s going to be serving Grundy County as an elected circuit judge.”

About 15 black-robed judges from the 13th Circuit, Third Appellate Court, and Illinois Supreme Court sat with Peterson before Kilbride as the ceremony proceeded.

Introductory remarks were by 13th Circuit Judge Robert Marsaglia of Coal City. He welcomed the circuit’s new chief judge, H. Chris Ryan of Ottawa, who on Monday succeeded Judge James A. Lanuti, who retired Monday.

As one of his last acts as outgoing Grundy County board chairman Frank Halpin of Gardner said Peterson’s swearing in marked a grand day in the county.

“The law of the land is very much in my mind,” he said. “These people here in black robes all have a great work ethic. They know they have to protect the citizens and protect the law.”