This page explains how ILMI Laws researches, writes, checks and updates its guides to Illinois and Michigan law.
1. Sources
We rely on primary sources: the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the Michigan Compiled Laws, the Illinois and Michigan constitutions, Public Acts, published court opinions, administrative rules and guidance from state agencies such as the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Secretary of State, the Michigan Secretary of State, the Michigan State Police and the state gaming and cannabis regulators. News reports can point us to a change, but we confirm the change in the official text before we write about it.
2. Citations
Every legal rule we state is tied to a citation written in plain text, such as 625 ILCS 5/12-503 or MCL 257.709, so you can look it up yourself. When a rule comes from a court decision or a pending bill, we say so and give the case name or bill number.
3. Fact-checking
Before a guide is published, a second reviewer checks each factual claim (numbers, dates, penalties, ages, effective dates) against the source. Claims that cannot be confirmed are removed or clearly labeled as unsettled.
4. Dates and updates
Each guide shows a “Last verified” date and a “What changed on this page” log. We review guides when a new law takes effect (most Illinois laws start January 1 or July 1; Michigan laws usually take effect 91 days after the session ends unless given immediate effect), when a court rules, or when a reader reports a change.
5. Independence
Our explanations of the law are not influenced by any business, campaign or advocacy group. We describe what the law says, including where it is contested, without taking sides on whether it should change.
6. Not legal advice
Our guides are general information. Facts matter in law, and small details can change the answer. If you face a charge, a lawsuit or a deadline, speak with a licensed attorney in the state involved. See our legal disclaimer.
7. Corrections
When we get something wrong, we fix it, note the fix in the guide’s change log and list it on our corrections page.