DANVILLE – Illinois' new chief justice of the state Supreme Court has her views on issues pertaining to the judicial system. And Rita Garman says she fully supports her predecessor's push to open trials to news photographers and electronic media.

Rita Garman commented today after she was sworn in at a ceremony in her hometown of Danville.

The 69-year-old replaces Thomas Kilbride. His highest profile policy was launching a pilot program two years ago permitting cameras in select courtrooms.

Asked in the interview if she backs the pilot program, Garman responded, "I certainly do - wholeheartedly." And she added she didn't see Illinois ever going back to a blanket prohibition on courtroom cameras.

Dozens of counties are already participating. And Garman said she hopes the state's most populous county, Cook, will begin participating soon.

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