Media Technology and the Courts: The Case of Closed Circuit Video Arraignments in Miami, Florida (From The Media and Criminal Justice Policy, P 243-253, 1990, Ray Surette, ed. -- See NCJ-125773)

• NCJ Number: 125788
• Author(s): R Surette; W C Terry
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The normative and policy implications of introducing video technologies into the courtroom are analyzed in this assessment of the use of closed circuit video in arraignments in Miami's Eleventh Judicial Circuit.

Abstract

Using closed-circuit video, detained defendants are brought as a group to the chapel of the jail for televised arraignments, thus relieving the crowding that has often occurred in the court's holding cells. Assistant public defenders are present at the jail. The judge, court clerk, prosecuting attorney, and onlookers are situated in the courtroom. A court reporter is not needed, since the videotape is the sole court record. Surveys of judges, prosecuting attorneys, public defenders, and defendants indicate that the system has achieved its objectives of easing the mechanics and cost of processing misdemeanor defendants. Public defenders, however, complain of the disruption of the traditional courthouse culture, which may involve diminished due process for defendants, increased courtroom depersonalization, and a diminished public image of the judicial system. 22 references.