What is required for a citizen to file a lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, for a citizen to file a lawsuit, they must demonstrate standing. This means that the plaintiff must have suffered a direct injury or harm as a result of the defendant's actions. Standing is a fundamental requirement in legal proceedings because it ensures that the court addresses actual disputes involving parties who have a genuine interest in the outcome. Without standing, a plaintiff cannot establish that they have the right to seek relief from the court, which is essential for the court to proceed with the case.

Having legal representation is not a requirement to initiate a lawsuit; individuals have the right to represent themselves, although legal advice is often beneficial. While a written complaint must indeed be submitted to the court, it is not sufficient alone without establishing standing. Furthermore, there is no minimum monetary value of damages needed to file a lawsuit; plaintiffs can pursue cases involving small claims or various types of injuries without a specified monetary threshold, as long as they can substantiate their claims and establish standing.