The Atlanta Journal Constitution
3/26/1998

Courtroom Drama Goes to Video

High-tech system gives a preview of litigation's future
By Celia Sibley
Staff Writer

Atlanta Journal Constitution

DeKalb Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller's Court was converted into a "courtroom of the future" over the weekend, just in time for Monday morning inspection by local judges and, later in the day, by attorneys and other courthouse regulars.

Fuller was the first - and the only judge, as it turned out-to apply for the permanent, high-tech installation, which was made possible through grants to the Georgia Courts Automation Commission in Atlanta.

As a result, the judge and his staff expect a lot of visitors from across the state who are curious about the justice system's newest "real time," or live taping, capabilities.

The equipment in this courtroom cost about $85,000, said Don Forbes, GCAC's automation program manager.

The installation was handled by two companies that develop and install litigation technology, ExhibitOne and inData Gilbert, Ariz.

The display includes monitors for the judge, the defense, prosecution and courtroom watchers and a large overhead projection screen for examining evidence. A court transcript can be read at the bottom of the screen.

The media can connect to a courtroom monitor and send out film as it occurs, Forbes said.

Fuller was especially interested in the possibility of having out-of-town experts testify in court through live taping, his law clerk, Lori Surmay, said. "It would save time and the expense of bringing them here," she said. Even hospitalized witnesses could testify, if their health permitted, she said.

The GCAC plans to install one other demonstration model courtroom, probably near the Georgia coast, Forbes said. The equipment is similar to that at Courtroom 21 for state courts in Williamsburg, Va., he said. The judge's bench has a monitor for viewing evidence and a view of the court reporter's transcript. There is also a control to allow him or her to turn off everything or review it a second time.

The first criminal case in DeKalb in which the new equipment will be used is scheduled April 13.