Will County Courthouse to allow visitors to bring mobile devices

The Will County Courthouse will allow visitors to bring in mobile devices in response to a new Illinois Supreme Court rule that urges state courthouses to “adapt with the times.”

Visitors will be able to bring in their cellphones starting Jan. 31 at the main courthouse, the Will County Court Annex building across the street, River Valley Justice Center on McDonough Street and all other branch court facilities.

An administrative order signed Monday by Will County Chief Judge Dan Kennedy allows visitors to bring in “portable electronic devices” such as cellphones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, electronic calendars and electronic books, for use in common areas such as lobbies and hallways.

“Such use must be conducted with proper decorum and with courtesy for other court visitors,” according to the administrative order.

The administrative order forbids bringing in cameras, video cameras, video recording equipment and recording devices not considered portable electronic devices, unless they are approved for ceremonial events such as weddings or for extended media coverage.

The administrative order also requires all portable electronic devices to be on silent mode at all times and forbids the taking of photos, audio recordings and video recordings. Visitors must also not use those devices to communicate or attempt to communicate with jurors or potential jurors.

Visitors found in violation of the administrative order may have their devices confiscated, may be removed from court facilities, found in contempt of court or subject to “penalties as provided by law.”

In a statement, Kennedy said electronic devices such as cellphones and tablets “have become essential tools today and the courts must adapt with the times.”

“Many of these devices are used by self-represented litigants in their cases and they have become more vital for presenting evidence,” Kennedy said.

On Jan. 6, the Illinois Supreme Court announced the adoption of a police requiring every state courthouse in Illinois to create orders or rules regarding the use of portable electronic devices in their buildings and courtrooms.

“The courts must adapt with the times and this is an important way to address the needs of court users,” said Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke. “It is no longer realistic to ask people to leave cellphones and other electronics at home when they visit courthouses.”