NCJ Number
106055
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1986) Pages: 31-36
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Normative and policy implications of introducing video technologies into the courtroom for documentation purposes are analyzed with reference to the attitudes of judges, prosecuting attorneys, defendants, and public defenders in Miami's Eleventh Circuit Court.
Abstract
While both judges and prosecuting attorneys viewed the use of closed circuit television during misdemeanor arraignment favorably, public defenders felt that it disrupted the demeanor of the court, hindered the judge's ability to control the courtroom, depersonalized the proceedings, and intimidated the defendants. Contrary to this assessment, defendants were largely supportive of video arraignments. Defendants' dissatisfaction with video arraignment appeared to be related to the outcomes of their cases. However, observations in the courtroom and the attitudes of public defenders suggest that video may have unintended negative consequences that affect court personnel, defendants, onlookers, and the atmosphere of the court. 6 notes and 26 references.