Cameras in the courtroom in Illinois

The Illinois Supreme Court in 2012 enacted an "Extended Media Coverage" policy that allowed circuit court judges the option to permit journalists to request using cameras and microphones to record proceedings inside a courtroom. Prior to 2026, 62 counties allowed EMC requests. The policy was revised on Jan. 1, 2026, to require all counties to accept EMC requests. Judges presiding over specific trials and other proceedings still maintain discretion to deny an EMC request or grant it with reasonable restrictions.