The former Illinois House Speaker once lauded as the longest-serving legislative leader in American history will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power.

Judge John Blakey's father wrote the federal racketeering law that has famously been used to take down organized crime figures. But Blakey also established himself as an authority on the subject long before Madigan's historic trial.

Michael J. Madigan is set to face trial on charges including racketeering and bribery after a lengthy federal investigation.