Robert Clifford Responds to Abner Mikva's Decision on Emerald Casino

Robert A. Clifford, attorney for Emerald Casino, is heading to Springfield for an oral argument before the Illinois Supreme Court in an unrelated case. In response to Tuesday's (Nov. 15, 2005) opinion by Judge Abner Mikva on Emerald Casino, Robert Clifford issued the followed statement:

"I am very disappointed in Judge Mikva’s decision which did not reflect an objective and fair review of the facts. We will move to have his advisory opinion to the Illinois Gaming Board stricken because Emerald Casino and its shareholders were subjected to hearings that violated Emerald’s right to constitutional due process and a fair hearing.

"What is even more disturbing is that the Gaming Board did not follow its own administrative rules in recently issuing an order denying Emerald’s motion to disqualify Judge Mikva. Under its own rules, the Gaming Board must give written reasons for its denial and it did not do so. Judge Mikva made a comment which unequivocally established that he was biased and had predetermined the fate of Emerald’s license before hearing all of the evidence. Judge Mikva had stated in chambers on June 6 during the hearings that, "No public official in their right mind could allow this casino to go to Rosemont." Because of Mikva’s apparent bias and predisposition to recommending revocation, Emerald did not receive a complete and impartial hearing. Clifford Law Offices filed a complaint last week in Cook County Circuit Court to this effect and we will continue to argue this in the courts until all reasonable roads to justice have been traveled.

"The opinion flies in the face of Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sofia Hall’s June 9 order that said that Emerald’s gaming license must be renewed. We feel that the courts of this state will follow the law and see that justice requires that the license remain in the hands of its rightful owners, Emerald Casino and its shareholders."

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For further information, please call Clifford Law Offices’ Communications Partner Pamela Menaker at 847-721-0909.