Technology redo advances federal courtrooms into 21st century

Tag: Electrical Plug

Deep inside the Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse in Columbus, carpenters, electricians and audiovisual engineers are doing their part to accelerate the pace of federal justice.

In January, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts began an effort to bring the latest technology to the Columbus federal court's eight courtrooms. Two courtrooms are completed; a third is slated to be done in May.

In all, the project could eventually cost about $3 million during the next two years. But those that work in the courthouse say the price tag is a bargain, considering the new capabilities.

"It makes trials much more efficient," said U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus. "It also adds to the overall fairness."
Moving to permanence

Sargus says in the past few years, similar temporary systems have been put in place for particular trials by either plaintiffs or defendants. Because of their success, permanent technology is being installed in courtrooms.

The temporary systems have allowed attorneys to plug laptop computers into an audiovisual setup and submit electronic slide show evidence to jurors. The jurors watched the presentations on either a big screen or on individual monitors in the jury box.

With a temporary setup, one side was more adept at using the system than the other, or the temporary system presented a physical obstacle within the courtroom.

During a two-week trial in March, for example, jury members were forced to navigate through a too-small jury box crammed with monitors on three-foot stands that impeded movement, while making sure not to trip on the electrical cords that snaked across the floor.

The upgrade incorporates five technologies that work together to make the courtroom more efficient - paper document overhead display, computer-generated exhibit display, videoconferencing and DVD and VCR playback.

All of the technology can be controlled by the judge, courtroom bailiff or attorneys from touch-screens located at their desks and lecterns.