Courtroom 23

History

For the Ninth Judicial Circuit, the Courtroom of the future is here today. The Judges' vision of an integrated high-tech courtroom has become a reality. The project began in March of 1997, when a contingent from the Ninth Judicial Circuit traveled to Williamsburg to tour the preeminent hi-tech courtroom, Courtroom 21. The goal of the project was to create a hi-tech courtroom that seamlessly integrated the latest in courtroom technology and enhanced courtroom performance and presentation. On May 14, 1999, after much planning, discussion, and hard work, the Ninth Circuit formally opened one of the world's most technologically advanced and integrated courtrooms.

Design

In June of 1998, six months after moving into the new Orange County Courthouse, the Court contracted with Applied Legal Technology (ALT) to design and implement a plan to integrate cutting edge courtroom technology for the Roger A. Barker Courtroom, located on the 23rd floor (i.e., Courtroom 23). A team consisting of representatives from the following agencies worked with ALT to complete the design:

Technology

The final plan included the following key technologies:

The evidence presentation system is centrally stored and operated from a state-of-the-art podium and includes the following features: 1) a digital document camera to view documents, photographs, x-rays, 3-D objects, etc.; 2) a DVD player to play audio and video recordings; 3) a touch screen monitor for the attorney to mark on projected documents and/or images; 4) a touch screen monitor for the witness to mark on projected documents and/or images; 5) a visual image printer to provide instant photo-quality print output of all presentations; 6) laptop connection for computer generated demonstrations; and 7) touch screen controls for easy local and remote operation.

The video system includes six mounted cameras that operate through a voice-activated switcher. The system is directly connected, via fiber optic or T-1 cable, to all jail sites, located throughout the Circuit, and has Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) capability, which provides connection to any ISDN site in the World. The video system enables remote testimony. Selected high profile-trials are broadcast, live through the Court's web site. Click for "Live Broadcast"

The courtroom features both real-time and digital court reporting functionality. The real-time court reporting text can be displayed at any location in the courtroom at the Judges' discretion. The court proceedings can also be digitally recorded and played back through a Windows NT computer system. The digital recording can be activated and monitored remotely from the Digital Court Reporters' Office. Audio CD's of the court proceedings are available upon request for a nominal charge.

Installation

To utilize all this technology, a lot of hardware had to be installed. ALT and the design team were challenged with applying the technology in a manner that did not negatively impact the decorum and dignity of the courtroom. Because we all remember what the Los Angeles courtroom looked like in the O.J. Simpson trial, the Court wanted to avoid a similar scene where the technology appeared to be out of control. Flat screen and plasma monitors were selected for the evidence presentation and video systems. For cable management, additional conduit was installed in the floor, Judges bench area, video room, and jury box. The cameras were installed in an area out of the normal sight line. The presentation of evidence, video conferencing, and real-time court reporting can be viewed from any one of the twenty flat screen monitors strategically placed throughout the courtroom. The judge's bench, the clerk's area, and each of the four attorney tables has a 15" flat screen monitor with 160 degree viewing angle. The jury box has ten of the same monitors, discreetly situated on the rail (first row) or on thin mount poles (second row). The public seating area includes four 42" plasma screens distributed one per side for both the first floor and balcony viewing areas. The final design subtly incorporates the technology with the existing courtroom infrastructure.

Summary

Imagine an attorney placing a picture or document on a podium that automatically is displayed for the judge, the clerk, the court reporter, the attorneys, the litigants, the witness and all the jurors. Imagine the witness marking on the picture or annotating the document directly from the witness stand by simply using tracing his/her finger on the monitor with the results simultaneously displayed for everyone in the courtroom. Further imagine hearing and seeing live testimony from a witness located thousands of miles from the courthouse, then hearing back the testimony played through a laptop computer. The Judges' vision has become a reality.

Participating Vendors

Miscellaneous

Home | About the Court | Meet the Judges | Programs and Services | News and Events | Contacts | Research | Sitemap | Webmaster
© Ninth Judicial Circuit Court. All rights reserved. Orlando website design by Rise