James M. Varga at a glance
- Current role
- Circuit Judge, Law Division
- Court
- Illinois Circuit Court, Cook County
- Jurisdiction
- Illinois · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James M. Varga
Circuit Judge, Law Division · Illinois Circuit Court, Cook County
Available research
Courtroom rules and guidance
Recording And Broadcasting
Photography, broadcasting, and recording in an Illinois courtroom are permitted only under Supreme Court authority or Rule 44's stated exceptions; participants may not record a remote proceeding unless the court directs it or extended-media coverage is approved.
the taking of photographs in the courtroom during sessions of the court or recesses between proceedings and the broadcasting or televising of court proceedings are permitted only to the extent authorized by order of the Supreme CourtIllinois Supreme Court Rule 44, Photography and Video in the Courtroom ↗
Official Record
The official record may be taken stenographically or through a Supreme Court-approved electronic recording system, including approved videoconferencing services.
The record of court proceedings may be taken by stenographic means or by an electronic recording system, including video conferencing services, approved by the Supreme Court.Illinois Supreme Court Rule 46, Official Record of Court Proceedings ↗
Remote Appearances
Circuit court participants may appear remotely without advance approval in covered proceedings; evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, and bench or jury trials require the presiding judge's approval, subject to the rule's case-specific safeguards.
Case participants shall be permitted to attend court via the circuit court's available remote appearance technology without any advance approval, except for the following proceeding types, which shall require the approval of the judge presiding over the matterIllinois Supreme Court Rule 45, Remote Appearances in Circuit Court Proceedings ↗
Remote Appearance Policy
Illinois circuit courts must implement Rule 45 through published local procedures and accessible remote technology; Rule 45 and controlling case orders determine whether approval is required.
Supreme Court Rule 45 authorizes and fosters the use of remote appearances in circuit courts with a goal of achieving uniformity in remote appearance practices throughout the state.Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Remote Court Appearances ↗
Extended Media Coverage
Illinois circuit courts accept extended-media requests for public proceedings, normally at least seven days in advance, but the presiding judge may deny, limit, or terminate coverage and protected proceedings remain restricted.
all Illinois judicial circuit courts shall allow requests for extended media coverage of public court proceedings in accordance with the provisions of this policyPolicy for Extended Media Coverage in the Circuit Courts of Illinois ↗
Sources
State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 28, 2026
https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/judge/varga-james-mIllinois Supreme Court Rule 44, Photography and Video in the Courtroom
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 26, 2026
https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/8db700cb-c17a-421d-8fdc-95ad22b399c9/Rule%2044.pdfIllinois Supreme Court Rule 46, Official Record of Court Proceedings
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 26, 2026
https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/24ad75b6-a0a0-4a9f-b44e-1cf4daa67820/Rule%2046.pdfIllinois Supreme Court Rule 45, Remote Appearances in Circuit Court Proceedings
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 26, 2026
https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/f06d63ba-828e-40f2-8ae2-ef4b11c9c66b/Rule%2045.pdfIllinois Supreme Court Policy on Remote Court Appearances
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 26, 2026
https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/e4321795-dd8b-4f0a-ae97-014b0db8182f/Policy_on_Remote_Court_Appearances.pdfPolicy for Extended Media Coverage in the Circuit Courts of Illinois
Judge research source · PDF · checked July 26, 2026
https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/7a90fdf7-c9d0-4b64-b95d-d891d518d80e/Extended%20Media%20Coverage%20Policy%20for%20the%20Circuit%20Courts.pdf