Tax Sales Violated the Fifth and Eighth Amendments
Case Study: Bell et al v. Pappas et al
1:22-cv-07061, (N.D. Ill.)
We are monitoring cases challenging the current system in Illinois as it relates to the sale of unpaid property taxes.
On December 8, 2025, a federal judge ruled in the matter of Bell et al v. Pappas et al, that Cook County’s tax sales violated the Fifth and Eighth Amendments of the Constitution. The judge did mention in his Order that the issue of damages would have to be addressed in further proceedings.
Your Illinois REALTORS® Legal Team will keep you updated as these cases progress through the legal system.
About the writer: Prior to joining Illinois REALTORS® in 2022, Victoria (Vicki) Munson was an attorney in private practice focusing on real estate and estate planning matters. She enjoyed assisting buyers and sellers in bringing their transactions to the closing table. Victoria earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School.
