# IL. R. Ct. 2: Rule 2. Construction

> Illinois · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R2

## Section

- **Citation:** IL. R. Ct. 2
- **Heading:** Rule 2. Construction
- **Jurisdiction:** Illinois
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** IL Court Rules / Title I / Rule 2

## Text

Rule 2. Construction
(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 person or 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.
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.
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
nded Jan. 4, 2013, eff. immediately; amended June 22, 2017, eff.
July 1, 2017; amended Sept. 29, 2021, eff. Oct. 1, 2021.
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.

## Nearby sections

- [IL. R. Ct.  Rule . Mandatory Arbitration: Introductory Comments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 1 Rule 1. Applicability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R1.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 2 Rule 2. Construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R2.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 3 Rule 3. Rulemaking Procedures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R3.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 6 Rule 6. Citations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R6.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 8 Rule 8. Case and Document Accessibility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R8.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 9 Rule 9. Electronic Filing of Documents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R9.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 10 Rule 10. Size and Specifications of Documents Filed in the Illinois Courts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R10.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 11 Rule 11. Manner of Serving Documents Other Than Process and Complaint on Parties not in Default in the Trial and Reviewing Courts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R11.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 12 Rule 12. Proof of Service in the Trial and Reviewing Courts; Effective Date of Service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R12.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 13 Rule 13. Appearances—Time to Plead—Withdrawal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R13.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 14 Rule 14. Text Message Notification Programs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R14.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 15 Rule 15. Social Security Numbers in Pleadings and Related Matters](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R15.md)
- [IL. R. Ct. 16 Rule 16. Certification Instead of Notarization](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R16.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_IL_TI_R2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.