IL Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride '81 Gives OK for Cameras in Trial Court

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride, ’81, said it is time for Illinois courts to become more transparent by allowing trial court proceedings to be filmed and tape recorded for the first time in the state’s 194-year history. Illinois is one of 14 states where cameras in trial courtrooms are either not allowed or not used, according to the Radio Television Digital News Association, a professional organization serving the electronic news profession and dedicated to setting standards for news gathering and reporting.    "The idea behind this is simple. We need to have the courts be more open. By having the public keeping an eye on what is going on in the courtroom, it can act as a check in the balance of power,” Kilbride said. Read more: Illinois Statehouse News, "Illinois Supreme Court gives OK for cameras in trial courts" The Carmi Times, "Cameras may be allowed in Illinois courtrooms" The Peoria Journal Star, "Northwest Ill. courts to be 1st to have cameras" St. Louis Business Journal, "News cameras allowed in Illinois trial courtrooms"