Cook County Chief Judge enters order on the taking of notes in court
Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans today entered General Administrative Order No. 2014-06 which permits persons present at court proceedings conducted in courtrooms of the Circuit Court of Cook County to take written notes while court is in session.
“I firmly believe that the integrity of our courts depends on increasing, not limiting, public access in the courtroom, whether that access is allowing the media to film proceedings or allowing people to simply write down what they see and hear,” said Chief Judge Evans. “Every time integrity is embraced, justice is enhanced.”
The use of laptop computers and other electronic devices in the courtrooms of the Circuit Court of Cook County is prohibited and may not be used to take notes unless otherwise expressly permitted by the judge presiding.
General Administrative Order No. 2014-06 is attached.
Member Comments (1)
Hurrah! We have had a lot of activity on my blog at www.marygsykes.com about people not being allowed to take notes and the excuses the deputies have given us was fairly unbelievable. I am glad this issue is over, BUT I would like to be able to make it clear one can take notes on a keyboard -- either laptop or tablet because one can type a whole lot faster and more accurately than handwriting and of course, no one knows shorthand or shorterhand like aeons past.
But this is a step in the right direction.
I know that when I take notes in court, they have to be transcribed and that takes much longer. I also don't capture nearly as much as if I type out what the court is saying.
What the judges and attorneys says IS important and we can learn a whole lot.
I hope this is the next step--taking notes on a keyboard IS allowed