Rule 44.Photography and Video in the Courtroom
Article I. General Rules · Last amended 2020 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 44 generally bars photographing or broadcasting courtroom proceedings without Supreme Court authorization, while carving out exceptions for security cameras, remote hearings, and certain judge-approved uses.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 44
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Rule, the taking of photographs in the courtroom during sessions of the court or recesses between proceedings and the broadcasting or televising of court proceedings are permitted only to the extent authorized by order of the Supreme Court. For the purposes of this rule, the use of the terms “photographs,” “broadcasting,” and “televising” includes the audio or video transmissions or recordings made by telephones, personal data assistants, laptop computers, and other wired or wireless data transmission and recording devices. This prohibition does not extend to areas immediately adjacent to the courtroom, but courts may by order regulate or restrict the use of those areas where the circumstances so warrant.
(b) The foregoing prohibition is not intended to prohibit local circuit courts from using security cameras to monitor their facilities. Additionally, photography and/or video in the following situations are explicitly permitted
(1) Where permitted pursuant to a court order under the Supreme Court’s Extended Media Coverage Policy;
(2) In any proceeding conducted remotely pursuant to Rules 45 and 241 and any other rules governing remote appearances;
(3) To live broadcast any proceeding that is conducted remotely, or at which remote attendance is permitted;
(4) If permitted by the judge, and on such conditions as ordered by the judge, for ceremonial events such as marriages, investitures, and graduations in problem solving courts;
(5) If permitted by the judge, for parties and counsel to make a copy of a court order or other paperwork received in court;
(6) If permitted by the judge, to make a broadcast available to interested persons, such as victims of crime or persons who have a statutory right to be present during court proceedings but who do not wish to attend in person.
(c) Nothing in this Rule permits the photographic recording, digital capturing, or other recording of a remote proceeding or a court broadcast of a proceeding except (1) a recording by the court or at the court’s direction or (2) pursuant to the terms of an order approving extended media coverage.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 44 keeps a tight default rule: no photographing, broadcasting, or recording of courtroom proceedings unless the Supreme Court has authorized it, and that covers recordings made on phones and laptops, not just traditional cameras. The restriction stops at the courtroom door, though courts can separately regulate adjacent areas.
Several exceptions carve out room for modern practice. Courts can still run security cameras. Proceedings conducted remotely under the rules on remote appearances can be recorded and broadcast. A judge can also permit recording for ceremonial events like courthouse marriages, for parties to photograph an order they just received, or to make a broadcast available to crime victims or others with a legal right to attend who cannot be there in person.
Even where a broadcast is permitted, the rule stops anyone from making their own separate recording of it, unless the court itself directs the recording or an order approving extended media coverage allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a court hearing on my phone?
No, not without authorization. Rule 44 treats phones and similar devices the same as traditional cameras, and courtroom recording is barred absent Supreme Court authorization or a listed exception.
Are security cameras allowed in Illinois courtrooms?
Yes. Rule 44(b) specifically permits local courts to use security cameras to monitor their facilities.
Can a remote court hearing be broadcast?
Yes. The rule permits live broadcasting of proceedings conducted remotely or where remote attendance is permitted.
Can a crime victim watch a hearing remotely if they cannot attend in person?
A judge may permit a broadcast to be made available to interested persons such as crime victims or others with a statutory right to attend.
If I'm allowed to watch a court broadcast, can I record it myself?
No, except for a recording made by the court or at its direction, or one made under an order approving extended media coverage.
Comments and Related Materials
Committee Comments
(January 1, 2023)
Effective January 1, 2023, Rule 63 is repealed and replaced by the adoption of the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct of 2023. Comments below are retained to document Rule 44’s history.
(December 16, 2020) The prohibition against photographing courtroom proceedings was formerly part of Supreme Court Rule 63. It has been relocated and expanded for a number of reasons. First, Rule 63 is a part of the Canons of Judicial Ethics, and the matters covered by this Rule are not predominantly related to judicial ethics. Second, the increased use of remote court appearances required that the Court provide additional guidance for the use of live streaming court appearances to preserve public access to the courts. Finally, the process of revising the Rule brought to light other instances in which courtroom photography or video are already permitted or are otherwise desirable.
APPENDIX
M.R. No. 2634.
Order entered April 16, 2007; amended February 2, 2017.
Any security cameras installed in the courtrooms in the various circuits shall be in accordance with the following standards; (1) security cameras are to be placed in areas of the courtroom such that there is no video recording of the jury or witnesses; (2) audio recordings of the proceedings are prohibited in connection with security cameras; (3) use of such cameras is limited to security purposes and any video tape produced therefrom shall remain the property of the court and may not be used for evidentiary purposes by the parties or included in the record on appeal; (4) security cameras shall be monitored by designated court personnel only; and (5) signs shall be posted in and outside of the courtroom notifying those present of the existence of the court surveillance.
All recordings from security cameras monitoring court facilities are the property of the local circuit courts and are deemed to be in the possession of the local circuit courts notwithstanding actual possession by another party.
Amendment History
Adopted December 16, 2020, eff. immediately.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: recording court proceedings illinoiscourtroom photography bancan i film a hearingextended media coverage rulesecurity cameras in courtrooms