(a) Questions Permitted. The court may permit jurors in civil cases to submit to the court
written questions directed to witnesses.
Rule 243.Written Juror Questions Directed to Witnesses
Article II. Rules on Civil Proceedings in the Trial Court · Part F. Trials · Last amended 2014 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 243 lets the trial judge, at the judge’s discretion, allow jurors in a civil case to submit written questions for witnesses, subject to review by the judge and counsel before any question reaches the stand.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 243
(b) Procedure. Following the conclusion of questioning by counsel, the court shall determine
whether the jury will be afforded the opportunity to question the witness. Regarding each witness for whom the court determines questions by jurors are appropriate, the jury shall be asked to submit any question they have for the witness in writing. No discussion regarding the questions shall be allowed between jurors at this time; neither shall jurors be limited to posing a single question nor shall jurors be required to submit questions. The bailiff will then collect any questions and present the questions to the judge. Questions will be marked as exhibits and made a part of the record.
(c) Objections. Out of the presence of the jury, the judge will read the question to all counsel, allow counsel to see the written question, and give counsel an opportunity to object to the question. If any objections are made, the court will rule upon them at that time and the question will be either admitted, modified, or excluded accordingly. The limitations on direct examination set forth in Rule 213(g) apply to juror-submitted questions.
(d) Questioning of the Witness. The court shall instruct the witness to answer only the question presented, and not exceed the scope of the question. The court will ask each question; the court will then provide all counsel with an opportunity to ask follow-up questions limited to the scope of the new testimony.
(e) Admonishment to Jurors. At times before or during the trial that it deems appropriate, the court shall advise the jurors that they shall not concern themselves with the reason for the exclusion or modification of any question submitted and that such measures are taken by the court in accordance with the rules of evidence that govern the case.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 243 gives trial judges a tool most jurors never get: a chance to ask their own questions. After counsel finish questioning a witness, the judge decides whether to let the jury submit written questions for that witness. Jurors write their questions without discussing them among themselves, and the bailiff collects and files them as exhibits.
Before any juror question reaches the witness, the judge reads it to counsel outside the jury’s presence and gives counsel a chance to object. The judge rules on those objections the way the judge would rule on any other evidentiary objection, admitting, modifying, or excluding the question. The witness must answer only the question asked, and counsel then get a chance to ask narrow follow-up questions tied to that new testimony.
The judge also has to prepare the jury for the process, explaining ahead of time that they should not read anything into a question being changed or thrown out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are jurors allowed to question witnesses directly?
No, jurors submit written questions to the judge, who decides whether to ask them; jurors never question witnesses themselves.
Is using written juror questions mandatory?
No, the decision to allow the procedure rests entirely with the trial judge.
Do the attorneys get to object to a juror’s question?
Yes, the judge reads the question to counsel outside the jury’s presence, and counsel can object before the witness answers it.
Can jurors discuss their questions with each other?
No, the rule bars discussion among jurors while they are drafting their written questions.
What happens after the judge asks the juror’s question?
Counsel get a chance to ask follow-up questions, but only within the scope of the new testimony the answer produced.
Committee Comments
(April 3, 2012)
This rule gives the trial judge discretion in civil cases to permit jurors to submit written questions to be directed to witnesses―a procedure which has been used in other jurisdictions to improve juror comprehension, attention to the proceedings, and satisfaction with jury service. The trial judge may discuss with the parties’ attorneys whether the procedure will be helpful in the case, but the decision whether to use the procedure rests entirely with the trial judge. The rule specifies some of the procedures the trial judge must follow, but it leaves other details to the trial judge’s discretion.
Amendment History
Adopted April 3, 2012, eff. July 1, 2012; amended May 29, 2014, eff. July 1, 2014.
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: juror questions for witnesseswritten questions from juryjurors submitting questionsjuror question procedure