Ill. Supreme Court to allow cameras in courts

CHICAGO (AP) -- A spokesman says the Illinois Supreme Court will announce a policy for allowing cameras in trial courts on an experimental and limited basis.

Joe Tybor said says the court will make its announcement Tuesday.

Illinois has allowed cameras to be present during Supreme Court and Appellate Court hearings since 1983. At the time of that decision, the court continued the ban during trials because of fair trial concerns.

Tybor said Monday the new rules for cameras will be on a limited and experimental basis to determine whether media access and fair trials can co-exist.

Broadcasters have long advocated the use of cameras and tape recorders during criminal trials in Illinois, pointing to the public's right to know.

Illinois is one 14 states that currently don't allow cameras during criminal trials.