Electronic Access for Circuit Court Records | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

On September 19, 2002, the Supreme Court entered an Order implementing the Electronic Access Policy for Circuit Court Records of the Illinois Courts (EAP), effective January 1, 2003.  The Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts was authorized to amend the EAP where deemed necessary and appropriate through the Supreme Court's Order entered March 29, 2004.  Subsequently, the EAP was revised effective April 1, 2004 adding the restriction to prohibit documents from being displayed over the Internet.

The EAP makes the distinction between the electronic and paper record by restricting access to electronic records and documents from indiscriminate disclosure while protecting the public's statutory right for inspection.  The policy was developed to provide electronic access to court records in a way that mutually benefits the public and the judiciary by making access to certain court records convenient for the public while protecting the privacy of identifiable interests.