Edson R. Sunderland’s Contribution to the Reform of Civil Procedure in Illinois

Illinois is greatly indebted to Edson R. Sunderland for the effective and enduring contributions which he made to the Civil Practice Act of 1933. That reform was encouraged in no small degree by his speeches and writings. He served as its principal draftsman. His suggestions were of much assistance to the bench and bar of the state in modifying and implementing the original draft so that the measure could be successfully put into operation. Regulation of details of practice by rules of court, which was a primary feature of Professor Sunderland’s draft and one which he helped defend against attack, has played a large part in enabling Illinois to keep step with progress in matters of civil procedure.