NCJ Number
158631
Journal
Government Technology Volume: 8 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1995) Pages: 26-28
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article profiles the work of the National Center for State Courts' Court Technology Laboratory, which assists State courts with the use of technology for information management.
Abstract
The laboratory assesses, analyzes, and demonstrates office automation, court transcription, video arraignment, integrated case management, document management, and public-access systems. A centerpiece of the laboratory's work is Courtroom 21, which is billed as the most technologically advanced courtroom in the world. Court 21 is an experimental site for testing technology in a trial court environment. Law school students use Courtroom 21 to practice their legal skills, enabling visitors to see the technology in action. The capabilities of Courtroom 21 include voice-activated video that records trial proceedings, video arraignment and video conferencing, real-time court reporter transcription, a high-tech podium that permits attorneys to display recorded or real-time televised evidence, and individual monitors for jurors. Courtroom 21 also contains headphones that boost listening capabilities, dial-up and CD-ROM access to legal research, and capabilities for consecutive translation of up to 140 languages. In court administration, technology is being used in case management, the electronic filing of court papers, and document imaging.