Benjamin K. Miller

Benjamin K. Miller (November 5, 1936 – February 25, 2024) was an American judge in Illinois. He was a member of the Illinois Supreme Court from 1984 to 2001. He served as chief justice from 1991 to 1994.

Early life Miller was born November 5, 1936, in Springfield, Illinois. He earned his B.A. degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1958 where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity. He then earned his J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1961. He returned to Springfield where he had a private practice from 1961 to 1976.

In 1976, Miller was appointed to be a judge on the Circuit Court for the 7th Judicial Circuit by the state's Supreme Court. He was elected to that position in 1978. He served as Presiding Judge in the Criminal Felony Division of the Circuit Court in Sangamon County from 1976 to 1980. In 1981, he was elected Chief Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit and served in that capacity until 1982. It was during this time that he presided over the murder cases of inmates involved the 1978 riot at Pontiac Correctional Center. He was elected to the 4th District Appellate Court in 1982. Miller won re-election in 1994.

While on the Supreme Court he served as chair of the Illinois Courts Commission from 1988 to 1991. He focused on expanding judicial performance evaluations statewide. He added non-attorneys to disciplinary hearing boards that ruled on lawyer misconduct. He clarified the restrictions on political activity by judges and judicial candidates by amending the Code of Judicial Conduct. He also established the Special Commission on the Administration of Justice which produced reports on the management practices and administration of the state's courts, and juvenile justice system.

In February 2014, he was one of a group of Illinois lawyers who wrote an open letter to President Barack Obama asking him to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.

Miller died on February 25, 2024, at the age of 87.

Awards On Saturday, May 18, 2019, The Lincoln Academy of Illinois granted Miller the Order of Lincoln award, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Illinois.