Last month, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a ruling that cellphone use inside county courthouses would be allowed --- under a new directive from the high court. But now, the Chief Judge of the 21st Circuit says the Supreme Court is allowing local governments to render their own decisions on the matter.

Chief Judge Tom Cunnington explained the high court heard of local safety concerns and is allowing local officials do make their own decisions.  Judge Cunnington met with the State’s Attorney and Sheriff, formulating a local policy continuing to prohibit the use of cellphones inside the courthouses. Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey had voiced his opposition to the use of electronic devices. Judge Cunnington said they had situations where photos from courthouse business ended up on social media. So the phone ban will remain in place. 

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