Robert W. Gettleman

Is as liberal as Shadur, but hides it better. Cranky, stubborn and at times, a bit whiney. Retire already.

Intelligent, hard-working, experienced and decent. Respectful of litigants and attorneys in his courtroom. Keeps his docket moving but doesn't pressure attorneys unreasonably on time.

He keeps his cases moving and tries to be fair to both sides. He seems to know what is going on with his case load and is willing to rule on issues without briefing. Good judge overall.

He does not play politics with his decisions. He is fair and looks at the merits of a case. He has been shown to be fair to the little guy who is up against a major corporation. He is respectful to competent Pro Se litigants who present meritorious cases. That's the way a judge should be. Unfortunately, most judges disrespect pro se litigants, even when they present competent meritorious cases.

Just reversed by the 7th Circuit on a simple consent-to-search case. No. 07-1014 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. KEVIN HENDERSON. The judge supressed all evidence of drugs and guns found in the home even after the defendant was arrested and his wife gave explicit written consent to search the home and car. Judge Gettleman failed to recognize that once the defendant was arrested, his previous objection to the search became irrelevant and overridden by his wife's consent. He gave GA vs Randolph too wide of a reading.

Gettleman excellently executed Robert Taylor Homes Right-of-Return case with precision. He has a respect for patience with Pro Se Litigants. He often render decisions that are not well received by the good-ole-boys Daley Machine politicians. He truly is a judge to the letter of the law.