HR0719 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0719 LRB094 15038 LCT 50167 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Heightened interest in television camera and microphone coverage of court proceedings has come to the attention of the members of the House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Many states have experimented with and subsequently found no harm in permitting television cameras and microphones in the courtroom; and

WHEREAS, The evidence gathered by these states has shown that television and microphone coverage does not disrupt the court proceedings or impair the administration of justice; and

WHEREAS, Few people understand the workings of the judicial system; television cameras and microphones in the courtroom would provide the public with a glimpse of what goes on in the judicial branch of government; and

WHEREAS, Media organizations in Illinois are pushing for expanded use of television cameras and microphones in judicial proceedings; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Illinois Supreme Court to develop a pilot program to allow television cameras and microphones in courtrooms in the circuit courts; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois.