Automated Evidence Presentation Software: an Emerging Trend for the Courtroom-part I

• Publication year: 1998
• Pages: 35
• Citation: Vol. 27 No. 12 Pg. 35

27 Colo.Law. 35 Colorado Lawyer 1998.

1998, December, Pg. 35. Automated Evidence Presentation Software: An Emerging Trend for the Courtroom-Part I

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35

Vol. 27, No. 12, Pg. 35

The Colorado Lawyer
December 1998
Vol. 27, No. 12 [Page 35]

Specialty Law Columns
Automation Annotations
Automated Evidence Presentation Software: An Emerging Trend for the Courtroom-Part I
by Eileen M. Siemek, Sandra K. Numedahl

Technology is changing at a staggering rate, and the world is embracing the reality that information can move instantly on demand through the Internet. Faced with these changes litigation attorneys must decide whether to use technology in the presentation of evidence in the courtroom, and need to know what the present and immediate future holds for courtroom technology in the process of legal adjudication Given the number of technological possibilities available, it is not surprising that some attorneys find it difficult to evaluate their options adequately

This month's article is the first part of a two-part series that examines the option of using an automated evidence presentation system in the courtroom. This Part I compares the automated evidence presentation option to the traditional way of presenting evidence and provides definitions of the terminology used with the presentation software. Additionally, Part I looks at the ways the judiciary is exploring the implementation of courtroom technology.

Part II, to be published in the January 1999 issue, will focus on what hardware and software technology is available, whether presenting evidence before a judge or a jury. Part II also will provide detailed explanations on the software and hardware features, along with the advantages and disadvantages for using the automated evidence presentation option.

Changes for Everyone

The new age of computer-generated technology affects everyone, from the solo practitioner to the large law firm. Virtually every firm uses (or should be using) technology through computers equipped with e-mail and fax modems, and instantly receives critical information via the Internet. Technology is in the law firm, and now it is in the courtroom.

The days of paper-intensive, lengthy trials are quickly becoming dinosaurs of the past. The decision facing attorneys is not whether to adopt technology, but how soon the courts will compel the attorneys to adopt courtroom technology. As the late Chief Justice Burger stated:

Ideas, ideals and great conceptions are vital to a system of justice, but it must have more than that&there must be delivery and execution...