UPDATE: More Illinois Courtrooms Will Be Televised

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Buoyed by the early success of its experimental program, the Illinois Supreme Court has expanded the use of cameras in the courtroom to encompass an additional two counties, the Associated Press reports.

Courtrooms in the 17th Judicial Circuit, which includes the Northern Illinois counties of Boone and Winnebago, will allow tv cameras and photography, according to Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride. The Illinois Supreme Court launched the experimental cameras-in-the-courtroom program in January (see "TUOL" post 1/25/12).

Notwithstanding the expanded access, judges have considerable discretion regarding whether to allow cameras, and proscriptions are in place, including bans on coverage of jurors and jury selection, along with testimony in child custody and sexual abuse cases. Cameras are not permitted in cases involving trade secrets, divorce, adoption or juvenile proceedings either.