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Politics & Government

Kane County Will Allow Cameras in Courtrooms

Chief Judge Robert Spence says Kane will join Illinois Supreme Court's pilot program.

Chief Judge Robert B. Spence announced Thursday that the 16th Judicial Circuit will apply to join the Illinois Supreme Court’s pilot program to allow cameras in the courtroom.

The decision is based on the recommendation of the 16th Judicial Circuit Courtroom Media Committee. 

“I appreciate the Media Committee’s work on this, and based on its recommendation, the 16th Circuit will apply to join the pilot program,” Spence said. “The committee will continue in its work on this, as we will need some rather detailed rules concerning the plan’s logistics. We want to be thoughtful about it and try to anticipate issues that might arise. The application will be submitted after the local rules are written.”

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The move was applauded by Judge Timothy McCann, presiding Judge of Kendall County and chairman of the Media Committee. 

“The Supreme Court’s pilot program ... will allow the media greater access to trial courtrooms,” McCann said.

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The Media Committee will now draft local rules, which will be implemented upon approval by the Supreme Court.

“We want to have as detailed a plan as possible, and we have many things to consider, so I anticipate that it will be several months before we are ready to submit this plan to the Supreme Court,” Spence said. “After that, I do not know how long the Supreme Court will need to approve our application. In the end, however, we certainly expect that the news media will have greater access to our courtrooms.”

The committee members include:

  • Circuit Judge Timothy McCann, Chairman
  • Circuit Judge Robbin Stuckert
  • Circuit Judge John Noverini
  • Circuit Judge John Barsanti
  • Kane County State’s Attorney Joseph McMahon
  • Kane County Public Defender Kelli Childress
  • DeKalb County State’s Attorney Clay Campbell
  • DeKalb County Public Defender Regina Harris
  • Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis
  • Kendall County Public Defender Victoria Chuffo
  • Attorney Gary Johnson
  • Attorney Patrick Kinnally
  • Attorney Timothy Reuland 

 

 SOURCE: Kane County 16th Judicial Circuit Court press release

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