Illinois’ Madigan Must Be Imprisoned During Appeal, Court Says

Oct. 3, 2025, 4:36 PM UTC

Convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) must report to prison in 10 days and stay there while his appeal proceeds, the Seventh Circuit ruled Friday.

Appellate judges, in a one-page unsigned order, rejected Madigan’s arguments that his appeal, focused on the jury instructions in his corruption case and challenges to the evidence that led to his convictions, will raise “substantial” legal questions that could lead to a reversal. The court didn’t give any reasoning for its ruling.

The 83-year-old ex-speaker was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison earlier this year after a jury convicted him on multiple ...

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