Our panel of leading appellate attorneys review Thursday's Illinois Supreme Court opinions in the criminal cases People v. Wrice and People v. Torres and civil cases Innovative Modular Solutions v. Hazel Crest School District 152.5 and Citizens Opposing Pollution v. Exxonmobil Coal U.S.A.CRIMINALPeople v. WriceBy Kerry J. Bryson, Office of the State Appellate Defender

Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) President John G. Locallo (right) presented an oversize copy of the cover of the 100th anniversary edition of the Illinois Bar Journal, the monthly magazine of the ISBA, to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, in his capacity as State Librarian, on Tuesday, Jan. 31. An actual copy of the magazine was donated to the library for its archives and will be made available to the public. The 100th anniversary issue features an eight-page overview of how the publication has evolved over the years, both in appearance and content. It was authored by Thomas Hunter, a member of the Illinois Bar Journal Editorial Board and a clerk in the chambers of Hon. Richard P. Goldenhersh, Appellate Court of Illinois, Fifth District.(Photo credit: John Wheeler)

Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride announced on Tuesday that the Illinois Supreme Court has approved the application from the 14th Judicial Circuit in northwestern Illinois to allow news media cameras in trial courtrooms in the state for the first time.Chief Judge Jeffrey W. O’Connor of the 14th Circuit applied to the Supreme Court for approval last week, one day after Chief Justice Kilbride announced that an experimental program was unanimously approved by the seven justices on the Court.The 14th Circuit is comprised of Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside counties."Today's Order is a historic one," said Chief Justice Kilbride. "For the first time in state history, citizens not physically present will be able to see and hear proceedings in our trial courts. My colleagues and I an-nounced this change in policy hoping to promote greater openness and accountability. But we must carefully balance the goal of openness with the rights of defendants and parties to have fair trials."This pilot project will allow us to test the policy we have put in place and see if it is workable in Illinois, or if any changes need to be made before moving toward a full statewide policy. My colleagues and I are thankful for the 14th Circuit and Chief Judge O'Connor's willingness to serve in this pilot project. We look forward to their results."In his formal request to the Court for approval, Chief Judge O’Connor noted that the news media in the area are already familiar with broadcasting trial proceedings because Iowa, just across the Mississippi River, has allowed cameras in courtrooms since 1979, and media have aired court coverage in the Quad Cities area, which includes Illinois communities.

In January 2012, the ISBA and the Association of Corporate Counsel filed an amicus curiae brief in the Illinois Supreme Court objecting to a broad application of the subject matter waiver of the attorney-client privilege in the context of business transaction negotiations. The case is Center Partners v. Growth Head GP, Supreme Court No. 113107. Read the ISBA’s brief. Read the Court’s opinion.