* Illinois Statehouse News had the scoop late yesterday afternoon about a new policy announcement by the Illinois Supreme Court. Cameras will be allowed into courtrooms on a pilot project basis…

On Tuesday, the state Supreme Court is expected to announce it will allow trial court proceedings to be filmed and tape recorded for the first time in the state’s 194-year history, Kilbride said.

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.

* From the Court’s press release…

The policy provides that the media, through a media coordinator, must request extended media coverage at least 14 days in advance of the time the proceeding is scheduled, although the time frame may be expanded or reduced by the judge. It allows for no more than two video cameras and no more than two still photographers. It encourages media pooling in all regards, and requires media pooling when there are more media requesting extended coverage than the number the judge allows.

In the case of a media member promising coverage of a proceeding from beginning to end, that member of the media shall receive priority consideration for placing its equipment in the courtroom. If the media cannot agree among themselves on the pooling arrangements, extended media coverage will be disallowed.

The policy allows for a witness or a party to object to a request for extended media coverage, but it is not intended that such objection, while in the discretion of the judge, will be automatically granted.

In prosecutions for sexual abuse, or when sexual abuse is an essential element, there will be no extended media coverage of the testimony of a victim unless the testifying victim consents. An objection to extended media coverage by a testifying victim in any other forcible felony prosecution, and by police informants, undercover agents and relocated witnesses shall be presumed valid.

The policy also prohibits media coverage in any juvenile, divorce, adoption, child custody, evidence suppression and trade secret cases, as well as in any court proceeding required under Illinois law to be held in private.

Extended media coverage of jury selection, the jury and individual jurors also is prohibited under the policy. Any decision by a chief judge or judge to deny, limit or terminate extended media coverage is not appealable.

* The policy itself includes live broadcasts. So, trials could be on TV if the judge and everybody else agrees. Still cameras “must be unobtrusive without distracting lighting or sound.” Media will have to pool equipment if there are several requests. Media insignias are also prohibited on clothing, and media members “must be properly attired” and maintain proper decorum, with the judge having discretion about what that means.

* I have one concern, however…

The new policy only allows for members of the “established” news media to photograph, film or tape record sessions. Residents and those working for non-traditional news organizations, such as Internet blogs, initially are being excluded from filming or recording court sessions.

But the high court may review the policy later regarding electronic coverage of courts by residents and non-traditional media.

Some blogs are “established” news media in their communities. Peoria Pundit is a prime example of this, as his HuffPo Chicago. The policy itself has a broader definition of “news media” than the article implies…

“News Media,” in general, means established news gathering and reporting agencies and their representatives whose function is to inform the public.

But since the judge will have total discretion, online media could easily be excluded by a luddite.

Discuss.

*** UPDATE *** From the Tribune…

Cook County’s chief judge is giving the thumbs up to a new policy that will allow cameras and recorders inside courts on an experimental basis. […]

Judge Timothy Evans,, head of the busiest court system in the state, says he’ll apply to participate in the pilot project.

Evans says greater media access will help address misconceptions about courtroom procedures fostered by popular TV shows.

Evans says he’ll appoint an advisory committee to recommend how to implement the policy. It’ll include judges, attorneys, reporters and members of the public.