Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. said Wednesday during a speech in Peoria that it’s critical to defend the legal principles of federalism and the rule of law.
Neville spoke at the Peoria County Bar Association Foundation’s 23rd annual Diversity Luncheon.
Neville said the rule of law has been key to sustaining the United States through its 250 years.
“The rule of law is not merely a legal doctrine,” Neville said. “It is a promise, a promise that power will be constrained, a promise that rights will be protected, a promise that disputes will be resolved peacefully, and a promise that justice will remain available to all.”
Neville described federalism as the sharing of power between the states and the federal government. He said it’s part of the system of checks and balances that the framers of the Constitution intended, and it allows for meeting local needs.
In October 2025, Neville became the second Black chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. He has been on the court since 2018.
In his remarks at the luncheon, Neville said diversity is a key part of the rule of law, referencing the preamble to the Constitution.
“Diversity is the cornerstone of We the People. Diversity is an indispensable component of the rule of law. Because we are all equal before the law, we are the people. So, let's form that more perfect union," he said.
The American Bar Association published a survey in 2020 that showed that only 14.1% of lawyers nationwide are Hispanic, African American, Asian, Native American, and mixed race.
Neville also stressed that it’s critical for lawyers and judges to work to maintain trust in the integrity of the justice system.
“Many Americans encounter the justice system only through headlines, the social media clips, or public controversies,” Neville said. “In this environment, confidence in the judiciary cannot be assured. It must be earned. It must be protected and renewed.”
Many other current and past justices and judges were also in attendance, including sitting Illinois Supreme Court justices.
This year’s recipients of the Robert H. Jennetten Diversity Scholarship were also recognized at the event. The winners are Olivia Riley, Michael Welch-Farrell, and Dnija Johnson. Welch-Farrell won a scholarship for the third year in a row.
During his visit to Peoria, Neville also met with area high school students prior to his speech.
