Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 6, 1994 TAG: 9408080028
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
The $50,000 system will provide instant transcripts, video and graphics. It includes a digitally enhanced 5-foot TV screen for jurors and smaller screens for lawyers, the judge, the court reporter, the clerk and the bailiff.
``It's wonderful, but then I helped design it,'' said Superior Court Judge George Trammell, who had computer terminals installed three years ago in his courtroom and upgraded the system this year with a laserdisc player and CD-ROM.
Trammell said he suggested that Ito use computers for the Simpson case after he heard defense attorney Robert Shapiro talking about getting his own.
``I said the last thing you want is for the lawyers to come in with their own systems,'' Trammell said.
For at least the last four years, many Los Angeles County civil courtrooms have used computers. Trammell's system is the first and only one permanently installed in a criminal courtroom in the county.
Besides offering instant transcripts, the system videotapes witnesses and catalogs documents and evidence.
But saving time is not the system's biggest asset, Trammell said. The setup helps jurors perform their fundamental duty, discerning the truth, he said.
Now, if a deliberating jury wants to review testimony, the court reporter must be summoned to read it aloud. Usually, the reporter has gone on to another trial, and a time must be scheduled for him or her to return.
Such read-backs are costly and time-consuming, and they do not reflect the witness' tone of voice or body language.
If a juror or attorney wants to review evidence or testimony, a simple keystroke brings it up. Normally, a bailiff or a court reporter must physically retrieve such documents.
by CNB