Jurors in Illinois could soon take a more active role in certain types of cases.
The Illinois Supreme Court adopted a rule that said jurors can ask questions of witnesses in civil trials.
Warren Wolfson, who teaches at the DePaul Law School in Chicago and previously served 34 years as a judge, said he allowed questions in more than two dozen cases, but had little success convincing other judges to give it a try.
The panelists discuss a pair of plans to bring greater transparency to Illinois government.
One allows cameras and microphones in the state's trial courtrooms. Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride announced late last month he will allow the technology to be used on an experimental basis. The Illinois News Broadcaster's Association and other media groups have said for many years that this would be a way to improve coverage of the judicial system.
The Illinois Supreme Court said it will allow cameras into trial courtrooms.
Illinois was in the minority of states in not allowing broadcast media to cover trials.
Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride said Illinois media outlets will have to follow several pages of rules. Even then, there is no guarantee the technology will be allowed for all trials. The state's 23 circuit courts can decide if they want to allow cameras and microphones.
The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments this week in a case challenging Cook County's ban on assault weapons.
Three gun owners say they're law-abiding citizens and only use their firearms for recreation and self-defense.
Edward Ronkowski represents the men. He told the justices the law was too broad, and gave an example of someone buying a rifle. The owner could make sure he was in compliance with the ordinance by verifying the gun would accept only a four-round clip.
