NCJ Number
182269
Journal
Trial Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2000 Pages: 48-53
Date Published
March 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article provides practical guidelines and considerations for using videoconferencing in bringing a witness to court without the time and expense of travel.
Abstract
Plaintiff attorneys are often frustrated by the expense and practical difficulties of bringing catastrophically injured or infirm clients and geographically distant witnesses into discovery and trial proceedings. Recent advances and cost reductions in computer and communications technologies make it feasible to present "virtual" plaintiffs and witnesses in court. Videoconferencing, which sends two-way audio and video signals over high-speed communication lines, makes it possible for attorneys and judges to fully interact with people at remote locations as if they were in the courtroom. This happens in the full view and hearing of the jury. Videoconferencing uses traditional television technology to transmit live signals between sites. Each location is equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors, speakers, and computers. The high-tech element of the system, the CODEC (an acronym for code/decode) is a "black box" that converts sound and video signals from analog to digital on the sending end, compresses the result, and reverses the process after transmission to the receiving end. Sites are connected by using digital telephone lines. This article discusses witness preparation, depositions, trial testimony, legal issues, trial support, and advantages and disadvantages of videoconferencing. Cost considerations and preparation are discussed as well. 13 notes