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Courtroom Technology

At its foundation, courtroom technology is a means for putting evidence before everyone in the courtroom—the judge, the jurors, the opposing lawyers, the courtroom staff, and even onlookers— all at the same time.  Streamlining the litigation process through the implementation of advanced communication technologies has enhanced the court’s ability to meet the needs of the bar and the public, while preserving the dignity and fairness of the proceedings. 

Each of our courtrooms is equipped with the following:

  • Audio amplification including individual desktop microphones, wireless handheld and lapel microphones, and infrared assisted listening headsets for hearing impaired.
  • Document cameras which can be used to display exhibits such as documents or three-dimensional objects.  Attorneys will have control of zoom and orientation.
  • Laptop connections with video and audio input to display the screen of a portable computer throughout the courtroom allowing documents, images, etc. to be displayed on any monitor in the courtroom.  Inputs are located at attorney tables, lectern (when available), and witness stand.
  • DVD player allows for parties to bring in a DVD without the need to supply a computer to play the video. If bringing in VHS or Blu-ray, please make prior arrangements as they are not available in all courtrooms.
  • Video and Teleconferencing allows remote parties to attend via phone or video. Cameras are positioned to view attorneys, judge, or witness with pan tilt zoom controls. Evidence can also be published to the remote party.
  • Viewing screens are located throughout the courtroom including, small monitors for the judge, attorneys, witness, lectern, deputy, reporter, and some jury boxes. There is also at least one large flat screen (65-70”) for gallery and jury.
  • Publishing control allows exhibits to be only displayed to judge and counsel locations prior to being displayed to the witness, jury, or gallery.
  • Central control allows easy control of courtroom audio, video switching/publishing, and conferencing to be controlled by the courtroom deputy from the bench.
  • Annotation which allows the published content to be circled, highlighted, or pointed to simply by using fingers on annotation-capable displays. This is standard for the witness display and at the lectern for courtrooms with a permanent lectern.
  • Realtime transcription from the court reporter can be shown on counsel laptops, with prior arrangements with the court reporter

Above is the baseline for all of our courtrooms, although there are some variations to this baseline.

With minimal training, attorneys can present photos, documents, objects, videos and electronic presentations to focus attention on critical details.  Our courtrooms are open for demonstration and testing upon request.  We highly encourage parties to come in prior to a trial/hearing to test and get familiar with the courtroom technology. This is especially true if parties will be presenting from their own laptop.

To view or test courtroom technology for a hearing, please work through chambers to schedule. If there are courtroom technology questions please send an email to IT at IASD_ITSupport@iasd.uscourts.gov.