Another misleading headline: Illinois Supreme Court approves new rule allowing for an expansion of text messaging in courts.
No, people are not actually allowed to send text messages while in court. Rather, the new rule permits individual court administrators in Illinois to implement text message notification programs. The primary goal seems to be getting people to show up for their court dates.
Text messaging programs are a supplement and not a substitute for any notification required by Supreme Court Rule and any failure to participate in a text messaging program will not be considered or used as evidence against the person in any court proceeding.
Participants will be afforded the ability to opt out of the program at any time.
The phone information provided and collected for the purpose of inclusion in a text message notification program under the new Rule will not be made part of the official public court record and shall not be utilized for any other purpose.
An eminently sensible change.
The Interdependent Third Branch 