On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois in a case involving
Illinois’ controversial eavesdropping law. The ACLU is asking the federal court to block the Cook County State’s Attorney from prosecuting ACLU staff for recording police officers performing their public duties in a public place. The recordings would take place as part of the ACLU’s long time practice of monitoring police practices on the streets of Chicago. The information gathered by the ACLU of Illinois would be used as part of its advocacy for changes in police practices in the City. The Illinois eavesdropping law has been the subject of much debate of late. Two state court judges have ruled that the application of the law to prosecute individuals for recording police in a public place is unconstitutional. A legislative proposal to change the law is being considered by the Illinois House this session.
