Morgan County is two weeks away from allowing cameras in the courtroom.
On February 22nd, the Illinois Supreme Court filed an order amending the policy for extended media coverage in the seventh circuit court by discontinuing the pilot program and adopting the program as permanent.
According to the policy, the Chief Judge of the Judicial Circuit can approve the extended media coverage of judicial proceedings.
Morgan County State’s Attorney Gray Noll feels bringing cameras into the courtroom will lead to greater transparency in the court process.
“The State’s Attorney’s Office, and I think everyone involved in the judicial system, welcome everyone to come down to the courthouse at anytime. A lot of people work during the day and have other obligations though. I think cameras in the courtroom is another way and tool for people to have access to our courts. I’m certainly all for it,” says Noll.
Noll admits some officials in the courthouse have “mixed feelings” on the implementation of how things will go in the beginning, but believes the majority are excited for the change.
Noll says the Supreme Court has outlined a variety of specific rules for cameras in the courtroom.
“These rules dictate where the cameras are located. They have very specific detail about cameras not being allowed to photograph jury members, record certain types of testimony and major sexual assault cases,” Noll says.
The policy will go into effect for Morgan, Sangamon and Macoupin Counties on September 1st.