Illinois § 5

Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5.

Definitions. As used in this Act: "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of 2 or more acts, evidencing a continuity of purpose. "Electronic communication" means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic, or photo-optical system. "Emotional distress" means significant mental suffering, anxiety, or alarm. "Emotional distress" is limited to emotional suffering that is protracted and not merely trivial or transitory. "Family or household member" has the meaning given to the term "family or household members" in Section 103 of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. "Personally identifiable information" means any information that can be used to distinguish or trace a person's identity, such as name, prior legal name, alias, mother's maiden name, and date or place of birth in combination with any other information that is linked or linkable to a person such as: (1) social security number, home address, phone number, email address, social media accounts, or biometric data; (2) medical, financial, education, consumer, or employment information, data, or records; (3) any other sensitive or private information that is linked or linkable to a specific identifiable person, such as gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sexually intimate visual depiction; or (4) any information that provides access to a person's teleconferencing, video-teleconferencing, or other digital meeting room. "Post" means to circulate, deliver, distribute, disseminate, transmit, or otherwise make available to 2 or more persons through electronic communication. "Publish" means to circulate, deliver, distribute, disseminate, post, transmit, or otherwise make available to another person. "Publish" does not include writing or electronically communicating to one other person in private communications for which an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. "Regularly resides" means residing in the household with some permanency or regular frequency in the person's living arrangement. "Stalk" or "stalking" has the meaning provided in Section 12-7.3 of the Criminal Code of 2012, except that "stalking" does not include an activity that is part of a protest that is protected by the United States Constitution or the Illinois Constitution. "Substantial life disruption" means a material and significant alteration of an individual's livelihood. "Substantial life disruption" may include, but is not limited to, moving from an established residence, changing routes to and from work, changing employment or work schedule, or losing time at work or a job. (Source: P.A. 103-439, eff. 1-1-24.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 5

What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5 cover?

Section 5 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Illinois § 5?

A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Illinois law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.

How does Illinois § 5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.