(a) Statement of the nature of the case - preparation and use. In all jury cases, the State's Attorney in criminal cases, and the plaintiff's attorney in civil cases, shall prepare and submit to the court and opposing parties a Statement of the Nature of the Case to be read by the court to the venire prior to voir dire examination. The statement shall include the time, date, and place of the alleged occurrence or offense and a brief description thereof, the name of the parties involved and their counsel, and, when requested by the court, a list of witnesses whom the parties expect to call. Opposing counsel may suggest amendments to the statement prior to it being read to the venire.

(b) Voir dire examination of prospective jurors. In the event the court does not permit direct examination of prospective jurors by counsel pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 234, counsel may submit written questions to the court for its consideration for use in voir dire examination. If the court allows counsel to supplement its voir dire examination, counsel may submit a question or questions to the court and request the court, at its discretion, to ask such question of the prospective jurors during the court's examination. Counsel shall not repeat questions previously asked by the court.