Illinois voters may be asked later this year to vote on an amendment to the Illinois constitution which would require Illinois death penalty cases automatically to be reviewed.

In a press release issued by the Illinois Senate Majority Press Office, Senator Brad Burzynski, R-Sycamore, said the bill topped legislative action in the first week of March. It now is in its last reading in front of the Illinois State Senate and will be voted on in the near future.

By establishing a State Supreme Court of Criminal Reviews, the bill, SJCRA, 18 looks to amend a system that recently has been laden with controversy. If passed, the bill would give all criminal appellate powers to this court while leaving civil appeals to the Illinois Supreme Court.

“SJRCA 18, should address concerns over the integrity of Illinois’ death penalty process by ensuring experienced judges and attorneys are involved in the capital litigation process,” according to a GOP press release earlier this month.

The court would be composed of seven justices, which would review all criminal cases appealed from the State’s Appellate Court and all cases involving the death penalty. Each judge would serve a three-year term and would be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate.

If approved by the General Assembly, the bill will be on the ballot this year. If the people of Illinois vote in favor of the amendment, it would take effect in December 2002.