EDWARDSVILLE – The Third Judicial Circuit on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, distributed pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution to members of the public at the Madison County Courthouse and the Criminal Justice Center in Madison County, marking the approach of the Fourth of July, Chief Judge Christopher Threlkeld announced.
Judges and staff presented the copies throughout the day on July 1, 2026, to litigants, lawyers and others at the circuit’s two Madison County buildings.
“The Circuit Court is excited to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation by sharing copies our founding documents with the people we serve,” Threlkeld said.
The distribution was part of a statewide effort tied to the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. According to the announcement, the Illinois Judges Association’s Media Committee prepared special edition, pocket-sized copies and selected judicial circuits throughout Illinois to help distribute them directly to the public.
The Illinois Judges Association has worked for more than 50 years to protect the interests of an independent judiciary by educating the public and students, according to the announcement.
Madison County Circuit Judge Patrick King, who is assigned to the civil division, was among the judges handing out copies in the lobby of the Madison County Courthouse.
“The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution form the basis for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and for the rule of law,” King said.
Associate Judge Emily Nielsen distributed copies at the Criminal Justice Center, where felony criminal charges are handled and where she is assigned.
“These documents, especially the United States Constitution, set the foundation for the American criminal justice system, both guiding prosecutions and protecting the rights of the accused,” Nielsen said.
Threlkeld also thanked the Illinois Judges Association for including the circuit in the effort.
“We are very grateful to the Illinois Judges Association for selecting the Third Judicial Circuit to participate in this statewide effort and for the privilege of serving the public as members of the judiciary,” he said.
