The impact of Information Technology

THE CAREER: JUDGES

Technology in this profession examines impacts of information technology (IT) on the administration of justice. Court users all over the world complain mainly about long delays, lack of access to justice and court corruption. Drawing on a broad variety of sources - comparative studies, statistics, case law and jurisprudence, studies on IT use and on court usage - this study examines how IT can help to remedy these trifle problems. In todays society instead of transferring paper work from one judges desk to another the easy and sufficient way of emailing and transferring files by telecommunication over computers are now available and well used.

Technology has now become a quick and sufficient ease of access for people in the courtroom to work a case. Documents and important files are drawn up quickly that makes it easier for judges to know who and what a case is all about.

Technology in the courtroom: Technology is being used to increase understanding of the evidence while reducing the length of trials and their cost. Information related to the case is stored and presented electronically. A CDROM will hold a transcript, an audio and a video recording of the trial and all evidence that was presented at trial, making a multimedia trial record.

Technology comes under: 1. Electronic Filing- Pleadings and other court papers can be filed electronically. Counsel for both sides can submit legal briefs through the Internet. This applies to judges as when these files are stored electronically on a hard drive they can easily access it with a password or by email addresses. 2. Foreign Language Translation- Technology makes it possible to have foreign language translation in the courtroom. 3. Computers in the Courtroom- Flat screen computer monitors are located in the jury box and at the witness stand, the judge's bench, and the counsel tables. Computer docking stations provide Internet access for counsel and the judge. This access makes it possible to do computerized legal research, with the ability to check legal authority on the spot. 4. Instantaneous Electronic Transcripts -A real-time electronic transcript is made by the court reporter. The transcript appears on the computer monitors at the judge's bench and counsel tables. 5. Video Evidence Presentation and Animation-An electronic projector is available in the courtroom. A touch screen allows attorneys or witnesses to highlight or add comments to the images on the screen, such as documents, photographs and drawings. Evidence can be presented using imaged documents on a CD-ROM. Animation allows for reenactment of events such as an automobile accident. 6. Video conferencing- Video conferencing is available that allows remote live witness testimony if the witness is unable to be present in the courtroom. Remote appellate court appearances are also possible. Remote live appearances and arraignments of defendants are commonplace in criminal cases throughout the United States. 7. Enhanced Sound System-The sound systems in courtrooms are being enhanced with voice-activated microphones. The systems amplify voices and allow everyone in the courtroom to hear the proceedings clearly. Listening devices for the hearing-impaired also are available in some courtrooms.

IN THE PAST Technology was not at such a wide variety and in the courtroom things were done in an odd formal way of tradition. Instead of having a computer translating an unknown language a bilingual person had to be hired. This was not a surety as the person could have easily misinterpreted about the truth so thanks to technology a computer does it best.

No More Scripted Documents!!!

Electronic Evidence Presentation Electronic Evidence Presentation allows for the display of trial presentations by computer, utilizing a combination of hardware and software such as Verdict Systems Sanction, and Microsoft PowerPoint. The hardware includes multiple flat panel monitors, LCD projectors and Document cameras.

Electronic Court Recording (ECR) Electronic Court Recording (ECR) is the electronic recording of a court proceeding through a digital or tape recording system rather than a stenographical record which is provided by a court reporter. A transcript of an ECR proceeding is requested through Courtroom Technology, but please notes that the transcript is not distributed through the court. If requested, a transcript of an ECR proceeding is produced by a commercial transcription service that will certify that the transcript is an accurate rendering of the official electronic court recording. The transcript is delivered directly to the ordering party Advances in technology continue to creep into the courtroom with greater and greater frequency. Although many judges and practitioners initially resisted the evolution of technology in the courtroom, technological advancesprimarily driven by the ease of display through laptop computershave become standard, and many judges now insist that lawyers rely on electronic exhibits and abandon their tried-and-true paper exhibits. The paperless courtroom has not yet arrived across the country, but more and more judges are embracing technology that makes a case easier to understand and speeds up the trial through the efficient display and handling of evidence. Every trial lawyer should understand the current trends and best practices as well as the risks and pitfalls that await the unwary trial attorney

The latest courtroom technology can really help you with that important trial. However you must find out if the courtroom is wired is wired first. The use of the lawyer to use projectors, laptops and other devices must be approved by the Judge first.

Pictures of the update of Technology in the courtroom:

Desktops

Touch screen tablet

Touch screen pads