Does my employer have the right to fire me if I refuse to work overtime?


Yes, but employers must give 24 hours of consecutive rest during every calendar week. The requirement for One Day Rest in Seven Act provides for employees a minimum of twenty four hours of rest in each calendar week and a meal period of 20 minutes for every 7-1/2 hour shift beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the shift.

The law allows employers to secure permits from the Illinois Department of Labor to work employees the 7th day, provided that the employees have voluntarily elected to work. The law does not apply, however, to those who are salaried or who work for someone under 20 hours per week.

Is it legal for a lawyer to have two of his office staff sign as witness to a will?

Yes, it is legal. A witness does not need to be a relative or friend.

If a passenger in a car is drinking alcohol but the driver is not, can the driver be held liable for charges if stopped by a police officer?

Yes. Under Illinois law, it is illegal to transport liquor in a passenger vehicle unless it is in its original packaging and the seal is unbroken.

If you have a legal question for a future column, send it to illinoislawcolumn@isba.org.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations and does not constitute legal advice. For help with a particular legal question, please consult your lawyer.

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