WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderIllinois will test out cameras in courtrooms

For the first time in the Illinois trial courts almost 200 year history cameras will be allowed inside. It won't happen in every court system, only a select few. The Illinois Supreme Court approved is a pilot program to try out cameras in just a few circuit courts. If the 17th Circuit applies, cameras could be allowed in Boone and Winnebago Counties courtrooms.

"I've never been excited about the idea of having cameras in the courtroom, I think it adds for the circus element for it or to it or the potential for that," says Debra Schafer, Rockford Attorney.

It's an issue the Illinois Supreme Court wants to look at further by allowing cameras in just two or three circuit courts in the state. Illinois is just one of 14 states that either has no access or partially restricted camera access to courts. But if this area's courts are selected and can let cameras in, the media will not be given a free pass.

"The pilot program does that into a fact the victims' rights. They do have a right to object to the proceeding being televised. And it also have safe guards to ensure a fair trial for the defendants," says Michelle Courier, Boone County State's Attorney.

Cameras will not be allowed in courts dealing with sensitive cases like juvenile, divorce or child custody cases. Plus, if they will be kept out if there is an issue with protecting the identity of an undercover officer or informant. Despite those reassurances at least one area attorney worries about whether it's fair to people on trial.

"For the client in particular it can bring a lot of attention to them and a lot of notoriety that perhaps they ultimately don't deserve if they are found not-guilty," says Schafer.

But courier believes cameras might bring more balance to how court proceeding are reported.

"I think it's a great opportunity for know what's going on first hand as opposed to being reported on second hand as to what actually happened," says Courier.

It will be up to the 17th Circuit Court Chief Judge to apply. Judge Joseph McGraw said in a statement that he has not yet decided if he will because he still wants to consult with other judges.