Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 1-4.01

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 1-4.01 - Photography, Radio, Television, Audio Recording Devices and Cellular Telephones

A. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 63A (8), the taking of photographs in the courtroom during sessions of court or recesses between proceedings, and the videotaping, audio recording, transmitting, broadcasting or the televising of proceedings, is permitted only to the extent authorized by this Rule and/or LCR 1-4.02. Photography, videotaping, audio recording, transmitting, broadcasting or televising of circuit court proceedings is otherwise prohibited.

B. The photography, videotaping, audio recording, transmitting, televising or broadcasting of events and activities in a courtroom or its environs is also prohibited unless expressly authorized by this Rule and/or LCR 1-4.02. For the purpose of this Rule, the use of the terms "photographs, videotaping, audio recording, transmitting, televising or broadcasting" includes audio or video transmissions or recordings made by cell phones, personal data assistants, laptop computers, and other data transmission and recording devices.

C. Photographs, videotapes, audio recordings, and transmitting, including broadcasting or televising of non-judicial events and activities, or of judicial personnel, or facilities, may be authorized by the Court for educational, instructional, informational or ceremonial purposes, provided that Court is not in session during such photographing, videotaping, audio recording, transmitting, broadcasting, or televising. Such non-judicial events and activities would include: weddings, bar association activities, induction ceremonies, award ceremonies, dedication ceremonies, mock trials, seminars, speeches, demonstrations, training sessions, journalistic undertakings, public awareness activities, and similar events and activities.

D. Micro cassette recorders or handheld dictating devices may be used in the public hallways or conference rooms adjacent to said hallways, provided that such use does not interfere with the use of said premises by others present. Any such micro cassette recorders or handheld dictating devices brought into a courtroom must be turned to the "off" position and kept enclosed in a briefcase or similar container. In the event that a person possessing such a device enters a private hallway, anteroom or Judge's chambers, such device must first be given to the court officer in charge of said courtroom.

E. Photographing or recording via wireless communication devices that have the capability of recording and/or transmitting sound, pictures and video, such as, but not limited to, cell phones, camera phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), notebook computers, and laptop computers in the courtroom or its environs is prohibited unless expressly waived by the Court. Notwithstanding the foregoing, attorneys, court employees, including but not limited to probation and detention officers, and Sheriff's personnel may use the device in the courtroom for non-verbal communication such as texting or conducting electronic legal research. Any wireless communication device brought into the courtroom or its environs must be in the "silent" mode.

F. Voice communication via wireless telephone is allowed only in the public hallways and conference rooms adjacent to said hallways, provided that such use does not interfere with the use of said premises by others present.

G. Tape recording by an official court reporter or court authorized court reporter in the courtroom or its environs is permitted.

H. The word "environs" includes the private and public hallways, rooms immediately adjacent to said hallways and to the courtroom, and the jury assembly/deliberation rooms; and it shall be understood that, in the interest of a fair trial, the Court may expand the area of environs in a written Order.

I. When the nature of a case, or the nature of the media coverage of a case, requires, the Court, on Motion of either party, or on its own Motion, may issue an Order governing such matters as extra-judicial statements by parties and witnesses which might interfere with the rights of the accused to a fair trial by an impartial jury, the seating and conduct in the courtroom and spectators and news media representatives, the management and sequestration of jurors and witnesses, and any other matters which the Court may deem appropriate for inclusion in such an Order.

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 1-4.01

Amended effective 10/24/2016.