The Supreme Court of Illinois, by rule, may provide for mandatory arbitration of such civil actions as the Court deems appropriate in order to expedite in a less costly manner any litigation wherein a party asserts a claim not exceeding $75,000 or any lesser amount as authorized by the Supreme Court for a particular Circuit, or a judge of the circuit court, at a pretrial conference, determines that no greater amount than that authorized for the Circuit appears to be genuinely in controversy.
2-1001A.Authorization.
Article II. Civil Practice · Part 10A. Mandatory Arbitration System · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceAuthorizes the Illinois Supreme Court to require arbitration, instead of trial, for civil claims below a dollar limit -- currently up to $75,000 unless a circuit sets a lower figure -- or for any claim a judge finds is worth no more at a pretrial conference.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-1001A
Plain-English Summary
This section is the foundation of Illinois's mandatory arbitration system. It lets the Supreme Court order arbitration, rather than a full trial, for civil claims that fall under a dollar ceiling -- as high as $75,000, though the Court can set a lower figure for a particular circuit.
It also opens a second path into arbitration: at a pretrial conference, a circuit judge can decide that a claim, however it was pled, isn't worth more than the authorized amount, and route it into the arbitration track on that basis.
The section only authorizes the system. It leaves the actual mechanics -- which cases qualify in which counties, how hearings are scheduled and conducted -- to Supreme Court rulemaking under the sections that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dollar limit for mandatory arbitration under this section?
Up to $75,000, though the Supreme Court may set a lower amount for a particular circuit.
Can a judge send a claim to arbitration even if it's pled above the limit?
Yes. At a pretrial conference, if the judge concludes the claim's real value doesn't exceed the authorized amount, the case can still go to arbitration.
Does this section itself create arbitration procedures?
No. It only authorizes the Supreme Court to adopt those procedures by rule; the details appear in Section 2-1002A and the Supreme Court Rules.
Is mandatory arbitration used in every Illinois county?
No. It applies only where the Supreme Court has implemented it for that circuit, and the dollar thresholds can vary by circuit.
What happens if a party disagrees with the arbitration outcome?
The party may reject the award and proceed to trial before a judge or jury, as described in Section 2-1004A.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 102-89, eff. 7-9-21.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: illinois mandatory arbitration thresholdmandatory arbitration dollar limit illinoiscourt-annexed arbitration illinoispretrial conference arbitration referral