HR0719 LRB094 15038 LCT 50167 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, Heightened interest in television camera and
3 microphone coverage of court proceedings has come to the
4 attention of the members of the House of Representatives; and
 
5     WHEREAS, Many states have experimented with and
6 subsequently found no harm in permitting television cameras and
7 microphones in the courtroom; and
 
8     WHEREAS, The evidence gathered by these states has shown
9 that television and microphone coverage does not disrupt the
10 court proceedings or impair the administration of justice; and
 
11     WHEREAS, Few people understand the workings of the judicial
12 system; television cameras and microphones in the courtroom
13 would provide the public with a glimpse of what goes on in the
14 judicial branch of government; and
 
15     WHEREAS, Media organizations in Illinois are pushing for
16 expanded use of television cameras and microphones in judicial
17 proceedings; therefore, be it
 
18     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
19 NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
20 we urge the Illinois Supreme Court to develop a pilot program
21 to allow television cameras and microphones in courtrooms in
22 the circuit courts; and be it further
 
23     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
24 presented to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of
25 Illinois.