NCJ Number
133161
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1991) Pages: 20-25,45-47
Date Published
1991
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The opposition to courtroom videotaping lies deep in the normative structure of the courtroom itself as demonstrated in the area of videotaping misdemeanor arraignments.
Abstract
The use of video and telecommunication technologies has found two principal applications within the area of misdemeanor arraignments. First, proceedings may be videotaped, thus becoming a permanant court record and eliminating the need for a court reporter. Second, physically separate locations may be linked together by one or more 2-way video and audio networks, thus allowing the different participants in the criminal justice system to interact with one another without having to travel great distances. The implications of video technology are most serious in terms of the attitudes and perceptions of the defendants who are being processed and the people who have to work with this technology in the justice system. Overall, the application of video technology to the misdemeanor court is shown to be a positive change, worthy of further replication and evaluation. In general, it is apparent from the comments of judges and prosecuting attorneys that the video systems usually achieve their manifest objective; namely, easing the logistics and reducing the cost of processing defendants. 16 footnotes and 36 references