Pictures and video from court proceedings in Madison County could be coming to your newspaper, computer or television.Chief Judge Ann Callis of the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which covers Madison and Bond counties, has formally applied to the Illinois Supreme Court to have Madison County's criminal courts become part of a pilot program that allows cameras in courtrooms.The Supreme Court in January announced that it would accept applications from the state's circuit courts for participation in the program. Until now, cameras haven't been allowed in Illinois courtrooms.
"I think it will be beneficial to the public and to the court system as a whole, if people have the opportunity to see how the courts work," Callis said.For now, her request covers only the Madison County Criminal Justice Center in Edwardsville, where criminal cases are handled. If the program is successful there, she will seek to add the main courthouse in Edwardsville as well as the Bond County Courthouse.Chief Judge John Baricevic of the 20th Judicial Circuit, which covers St. Clair, Monroe, Perry, Randolph and Washington counties, said Wednesday his circuit will not be seeking to join the program, at least not yet.
"There are a number of circuits which have requested to join the pilot program. We're going to wait and see how things go in those other circuits, and then we'll re-evaluate," Baricevic said.So far, only the 14th Judicial Circuit, in the Quad Cities area, has been approved for the program. The 21st Judicial Circuit, in the Kankakee area, also has applied, as has the 10th Judicial Circuit, in the Peoria area, and Cook County.Some opponents of the program fear that having cameras in court would turn the proceedings into circuses. Illinois has been one of just 14 states that don't allow cameras during criminal trials. Missouri is among states that do allow cameras during criminal trials.
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