Ill. Pattern Jury Instr. (Civil) 1.09A

ln this case, I have approved a request to allow the news media to film and photograph

the proceedings. This is permitted by the Illinois Supreme Court and is subject to

numerous restrictions contained in the Policy for Extended Media Coverage in the Circuit

Courts of Illinois.

The policy in place regarding cameras in the courtroom is very strict and the court

closely monitors every policy provision. In general, the policy permits the news media to

film and photograph the courtroom setting, the participants in the trial, and any persons

who might be in the audience. The policy does not permit the news media to film or

photograph any of you as jurors or the jury panel as a whole in the courtroom and outside

the courtroom.

The presence of cameras does not make this case more important than any other. All

trials are equally important to the court and the involved parties. You should not draw

any inferences or conclusions from the fact that cameras are present at this particular

trial.

The news media is generally able to choose which portion or portions of the trial they

wish to attend. Therefore, their attendance may be periodic from day- to-day. Also, for

legal reasons, the news media may not be permitted to film and photograph certain

witnesses. You are not to concern yourself with why certain witnesses are filmed and

photographed and others are not.

Whether a particular witness is filmed or photographed is not any indication as to the

value of, or weight to be given to, that witness’s testimony.

You should ignore the presence of any cameras. If you find at any time that you are

distracted or unable to concentrate because of the cameras, please notify me immediately.

Instruction, Notes on Use and Comment approved August 2018.