To see the video version with graphics please view this on my YT Channel here:

https://youtu.be/aL9mTgtKPeg?si=yv3oCj32uulCuSoZ

What is a Bystander’s Report in Illinois Appeals?

In Illinois, when an official transcript of a court hearing is missing, incomplete, or never created, a litigant can file a Bystander’s Report under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 323(c). This report becomes a crucial substitute for the transcript and allows the appellate court to understand what happened in the trial court. It’s essentially a written, sworn narrative describing courtroom events, compiled from the recollections of those who were present—such as the litigants, their attorneys, or any witnesses.

The purpose of a Bystander’s Report is to ensure the appellate record is complete and that the appeal isn’t dismissed or denied simply because no court reporter was present. The report outlines statements made, rulings issued, objections raised, and the flow of evidence or arguments. After it’s submitted, the opposing party can respond or request amendments. The trial judge then certifies the report to confirm its accuracy.

For self-represented (pro se) litigants like Heather Bendl, the Bystander’s Report can be a lifeline. In her Illinois appellate case (No. 2-25-0481), she relied on this method because there were no official transcripts from critical hearings that impacted her parental rights. This tool helped ensure the appellate court had a basis to review what occurred, even without a formal record.

The Bystander’s Report is not just a procedural formality—it’s often the only way to challenge errors or expose irregularities in lower court proceedings. For families navigating complex or contested custody cases, it can be the difference between having a voice in appeal and being silenced by gaps in the court record.

Google Drive Link to my Bystander's Report:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UJDPD9K78l9FUusygbPv7821dmTv36mB/view?usp=sharing

To sign up for "Disrupt the Corrupt" and/or "Support Isn't Silent" Podcast please click here:

https://forms.gle/ub88VKsREnUiMGeF9

My Florida Case:

https://www.clerk.org/

Heather L. Bendl (Petitioner) vs. Justin D. Serlick (Respondent)

Case # 2023-31828 FMCI

My Illinois Case:

Heather L. Bendl (Petitioner) vs. Justin D. Serlick (Respondent)

Case # 13 D 981 / 20 F 422

**National Movements*

#JusticeWithoutLimits with Jessica Saxton and #WeShallBeFree Tour with Tanawah Downing:

https://justicewithoutlimits.org/

https://www.tanawah.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tanawah.downing.5

Mark Ludwig's Legislative Leadership Development Program:

https://stlmarkludwig.com/legislative-leadership-development-program

https://stlmarkludwig.com/

Stand with Meg:

https://standwithmeg.com/

#JusticefortheSerlickChildren

#FamilyCourtCorruption

#StolenChildren

#FamilyCourtCorruptionsandAbuses

#FamilyCourt

#LegalAbuse

#JudicialAbuse

#FloridaCircuitCourts

#FloridaCircuitSeven

#DoBetter

#NarcissisticAbuse

#FamilyTraditions

#Gaslighting

#Coparenting

#Separation

#FamilyLaw

#ChildSupport

#Visits

#Custody

#ParentalAlienation

#ChildrensRights

#FamilyLawyer

#Visitation

#ChildCustody

#FBI

#Corruption

#GovernmentCorruption

#Court