Local Rule RULE 83.7: POSSESSION AND/OR USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITHIN THE COURTHOUSE
C.D. Ill. — General rule
RULE 83.7 POSSESSION AND/OR USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITHIN THE COURTHOUSE DEFINITION: "Electronic Devices," as used within this Rule, includes cameras, video recorders, audio recorders, cellular or digital phones, palm pilots and pda's, computers, and all similar electronic, cable, digital, computerized or other forms and methods of recording, transmitting, or communicating.
(A) PROHIBITIONS No electronic devices will be permitted into the courthouse subject to the exceptions below. To avert delays in security screening in the lobby, those entering the courthouse are strongly urged to heed this prohibition, because such devices will not be held within the courthouse.
News media representatives wishing to conduct interviews in relation to a court case may contact the presiding judge to seek permission to bring electronic equipment into the building for that purpose. If permission is granted, the judge will designate a specific area of the courthouse where such electronic equipment may be stored and used. After the interviews are completed the equipment must be immediately removed from the courthouse.
(B) EXCEPTIONS
(1) This Rule may be suspended for naturalization or other ceremonial proceedings or otherwise as ordered by the presiding judge.
(2) Attorneys are allowed to possess and carry electronic devices within the courthouse (upon showing proper identification to court security personnel at the front desk) and in the courtrooms. However, such equipment will not be used in a courtroom without the permission of the presiding judge, and such equipment may not in any event be used to record or transmit court proceedings by audio, visual, or other means. Also, an attorney may not allow any other person (e.g., a client, whether in custody or not) to use the attorney's cell phone or other electronic device in the courthouse.
(3) This Rule does not apply to official court reporters in the performance of their official duties. Any use of recording or transcription services or equipment other than by the official court reporters must be approved by the presiding judge.
(4) This Rule does not apply to the United States Marshal, Deputy U.S. Marshals, Court Security Officers, law enforcement personnel known to Court Security Officers upon production of proper identification, and employees of the Illinois Department of Corrections who have transported state prisoners to court.
Note: This Rule does apply to prospective jurors.