Article I. General Rules · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2 tells courts to interpret the Supreme Court Rules the way they interpret statutes, and it defines terms like judge, judgment, document, and signature that recur throughout the rules.
(a)Standards. These rules are to be construed in accordance with the appropriate provisions
of the Statute on Statutes (5 ILCS 70/0.01 et seq.), and in accordance with the standards stated in
section 1-106 of the Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/1-106).
(b)Definitions. The following meanings are to be given terms used in these rules:
(1)“Judge” also includes associate judge and justice.
(2)“Judgment” also includes decree, determination, decision, order, or portion thereof.
(3)“Document” means a pleading, motion, photograph, recording, or other record of information or data required or permitted to be filed, either on paper or in an electronic format.
(4)“Written” or “in writing” means in the form of a document, whether electronic or on paper.
(5)“Signed” or “signature” also includes the execution of any court-approved digital signature.
(6)“Original” is the first authentic instrument of a document, recording, or photograph; however, if the transmission is by approved electronic means, the transmission received by the clerk of the court shall serve as the original.
(7)“In person or by attorney,” “in person or through an attorney,” “in person or by counsel,” or “in personor by substitute counsel” includes such individual appearing remotely, including by telephone or video conference under Rules 45 and 241 and any other rules governing remote appearances.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 2 has two jobs. First, it says the Supreme Court Rules should be read using the same interpretive standards that apply to statutes, so lawyers and judges do not need a separate rulebook for how to construe court rules.
Second, it defines a handful of words that show up constantly elsewhere in the rules. Judge covers associate judges and justices. Judgment covers any decree, determination, decision, or order. Document reaches beyond paper filings to photographs, recordings, and other electronic records. Written, signed, and original are all defined broadly enough to include electronic versions of the same.
The rule also clarifies that phrases like in person or by attorney include someone appearing remotely, by phone or video conference, tying this rule to the court's remote-appearance procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Rule 2 define words like judgment and document?
Because those words appear throughout hundreds of other rules. Defining them once in Rule 2 keeps the rest of the rules consistent and avoids repeating definitions rule by rule.
Does document include electronic files?
Yes. Rule 2 defines document to include anything filed on paper or in electronic format, from pleadings to photographs to recordings.
Does an electronic signature count under the rules?
Yes. Rule 2 says signed or signature includes a court-approved digital signature.
How should a court interpret an ambiguous Supreme Court Rule?
Rule 2 directs courts to apply the same construction standards used for interpreting statutes.
Does appearing by video count as appearing in person?
Rule 2 says phrases like in person or by attorney include a person appearing remotely by telephone or video conference under the rules governing remote appearances.
Committee Comments
(Revised July 1, 1971)
This rule was adopted effective January 1, 1967. Paragraph (a) makes it clear that the same principles that govern the construction of statutes are applicable to the rules. Paragraph (b) defines terms that appear frequently in the rules. Like article VI of the Illinois Constitution the rules use the single word “judgment,” instead of “judgment, decree,” etc. Subparagraph (b)(1) was amended in 1971 to delete the reference to “magistrate,” consistent with the abolition of the office of magistrate by the Illinois Constitution of 1970.
Amendment History
Amended effective July 1, 1971; amended May 28, 1982, effective July 1, 1982; amended May 30, 2008, effective immediately; amended Jan. 4, 2013, eff. immediately; amended June 22, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017; amended Sept. 29, 2021, eff. Oct. 1, 2021.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:definitions in Illinois court ruleswhat does judgment meanrule construction standardelectronic signature ruleremote appearance definition