Tips on Technology

The Courtroom Information Project – Updated
www.courtroominformationproject.org

by Richard K. Herrmann, Esquire

Just over a year ago, I reported on an exciting new project, created to make available information on courtrooms of participating United States District Courts and state courts. Of course, the information primarily relates to Technology. The effort is called The Courtroom Information Project.

The Project was launched last spring and I am proud to report that it has already surpassed our expectations. The media services have featured the Project; many courts are now engaged in online registration; and the corporate and law firm sponsors seem pleased with the results.

The Project’s History
In November of 2001, the Federal Judicial Conference informed the District Court Clerks throughout the United States that they were authorized to participate in a joint federal/state effort to provide the public with courtroom information through the Courtroom Information Project, hosted by Courtroom 21 at William and Mary Law School. In February 2002, Chief Justice Veasey announced that Delaware had agreed to become the first state to endorse the Project.

With the financial support of corporate and law firm sponsors, a web site was created, and Courtroom 21 created a staff position dedicated to the advancement of the Project.

How the Project Works
Courts wishing to participate can register their courtrooms online. After completing the registration form, a password and ID is issued. The court representative is then able to complete the registration process including technical information regarding one or more courtrooms, including photographs.

Interested users, including lawyers, architects, other courts and the public are able to review the information on the website at no cost.

Why the Project is Important
As advancements in court room technology have increased, so has the need for trial counsel to understand the design and configuration of the courtroom prior to trial. Courtroom size and shape play a significant role in the determination of trial presentation strategies. The amount of ambient light, the distance and line of sight between the jury and the likely place for monitors or screens, are examples of factors considered by the courtroom presenter. In large cases, trial counsel will often send a scouting team to measure and photograph the courtroom prior to trial.

It stands to reason that trial counsel, who is well informed about the particular courtroom environment in which the case will be tried, will be better prepared and have the opportunity to present a more efficient and understandable case. Members of the bar will be able to see the courtroom in which they will be making arguments and holding trials. They will have access to information relating to the size, availability of technology and limitations of the courtroom.

What the Courts are Saying About the Project
The Project is now providing its participating Courts with a bimonthly newsletter. Here are some of the comments received:

The Superior Court, 3rd District in Anchorage Alaska writes: “We, in the Anchorage district court, think the Courtroom Information Project is a splendid idea and are very pleased to participate.”

The U.S. District Court, District of Arizona added: “The Courtroom Information website has saved me hours if not days in allowing the District Court of Arizona to showcase the available equipment in our courtrooms. I have had several occasions to point attorneys and legal technology consultants from out of town to your website to show what our courtrooms look like and what technology is available. At some point, the District Court of Arizona will have a portion of our website dealing solely with technology in our individual courtrooms throughout the state. Until then, the Courtroom Information Project will be our resource.”

And the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida has informed us that: “We’re excited about the Courtroom Information Project. In fact, we were just in the process of beginning to re-work our courtroom technology pages on our Internet site and have decided to link to your page when we’re done for the public to use as a look-up tool.”

We recently learned from the U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas that: “I am pleased to let you know that my judges voted unanimously to participate in the Courtroom Information Project.”

What kind of Technology is reviewed?
Janel Foss, the Assistant Director of Administration and Outreach for Courtroom 21 receives information from participating courts regarding advancements in technology. Just recently, for example, Janel reported on advancements in U.S. District Court, District of Arizona: “The utilization of the Nomad systems has been a real benefit to our courtrooms. For example, an audio-only courtroom can be transformed in a few minutes to a full video-display courtroom for a fraction of the price of installing a full video system. The jurors and other court participants are able to view documents, depositions, and other evidence easily and reliably through one system. Since the unit is mobile, it is also easily transported to other courtrooms throughout our district.” The New Castle County Courthouse has embraced this type of Technology and has several mobile units.

So What is the Current Count?
As of February 15th, 34 Federal Courts and 20 state courts indicated intent to participate in the Project, and those numbers are increasing regularly. We hope to have 200 participating courts by the end of 2003.

Conclusion
If this article sounds like an infomercial, well I suppose that it is. I am proud to Chair the Project and I am equally proud that we have the support of the Delaware State and Federal Courts. In the event that your organization would like to participate as a sponsor to the Courtroom Information Project, please contact me.

Return to March 2003 Table of Contents.