Rule 242.Use of Remote Jury Selection in Civil Cases.
Article II. Rules on Civil Proceedings in the Trial Court · Part F. Trials · Last amended 2023 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 242 lets courts pick a jury by video conference when all parties agree, or over a party’s objection if the judge finds compelling circumstances, while preserving constitutional rights and public access.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 242
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The court may permit remote jury selection by video conference with the consent of all parties.
The court may proceed absent parties’ consent if the judge presiding over the matter finds that the case presents a compelling circumstance to proceed with remote jury selection.
Any remote jury selection must be conducted consistent with the constitutional rights of the parties and preserve constitutional public access.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 242 opens the door to selecting a jury remotely. If every party consents, the court can run jury selection by video conference instead of in the courtroom. Without everyone’s consent, the judge can still proceed remotely, but only after finding that the case presents a compelling circumstance that justifies it.
Either way, the rule insists that remote jury selection respect the parties’ constitutional rights and keep the process open to the public, the same as an in-person selection would.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a court hold jury selection by video conference?
Yes, if all parties consent, or, absent consent, if the judge finds a compelling circumstance justifies it.
Does remote jury selection change any constitutional protections?
No, the rule requires that remote jury selection stay consistent with the parties’ constitutional rights.
Is the public still allowed to watch jury selection done remotely?
Yes, the rule requires that remote jury selection preserve constitutional public access.
What if only one party wants remote jury selection?
The judge can still order it over an objection, but only upon finding a compelling circumstance.
When was Rule 242 adopted?
It was adopted in 2023, building on remote-proceeding practices that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee Comments
(April 20, 2023)
Circuits may choose to utilize remote jury selection consistent with the guidelines established by the Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force and adopted by the Supreme Court on October 27, 2020, available at illinoiscourts.gov/CircuitCourt/Remote_Jury_Information.asp.
Amendment History
Adopted Apr. 20, 2023, eff. immediately.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:remote jury selectionvideo conference jury pickvirtual voir direzoom jury selectionpicking a jury remotely