1. Is internet access available within the courtroom?
A dedicated Wi-Fi Access Point has been installed in this courtroom. Attorneys and members of the public can access free Internet service from their laptops/tablets or smartphones. However, please follow court rules on the usage of electronic devices during court proceedings. Look for the SSID “Public_Access“ in your Wi-Fi settings to connect.
2. What are the charging options available for attorneys?
For your convenience, there is a power-charging station which provides standard 110AC outlets and USB charging ports on the podium or the counsel tables. You may charge your laptops/tablets or smartphones. However, you should bring your own USB charging cable.
3. What are the audio enhancements in the courtroom?
An updated sound reinforcement system has been installed in the courtroom. It consists of microphones, an audio mixer, an amplifier, and loudspeakers. One of the most common audio problems is that people speak away from the microphones. Therefore, we ask you and your clients to speak directly into the gooseneck microphones.
4. What is the large touch screen for?
The height-adjustable 55” or 86” mobile touch screen is ideal for attorneys who intend to present electronic evidence. It provides crystal-clear image quality and the ability to zoom in and zoom out with ease, and has the capability to make annotations on screen, which are temporary but may be preserved. Evidence may be presented from DVDs, flash drives, or by laptops.
5. What are attorneys required to bring to the courtroom for evidence presentation?
The touch screen display is powered by a Windows 10 PC. A dedicated USB port and a CD/DVD player are included in the configuration. Common file formats, including those for video and audio clips, photos, pdf files, Microsoft Office documents (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as standard medical images, are all supported. Unless you are an experienced user, please arrange to test your media and become acquainted with the evidence presentation system in advance of using it, to ensure a successful presentation.
6. Can evidence stored in the cloud or social media be presented in the courtroom?
Yes. You can use the Microsoft Edge web browser to access Facebook, YouTube, and cloud storage such as DropBox, OneDrive, and Google Drive.
7. Can personal laptops, tablets or smartphones be used during the presentation?
Yes. To take advantage of the touch screen interface and for simplicity, we recommend that you present your contents from a Flash Drive or a CD/DVD disc, as described earlier. Otherwise, as long as your device has an HDMI-compatible video port, you will be able to project your device’s display to the large touch screen, regardless of manufacturer or operating system in use. The court keeps a small stock of common video cables and adapters. You may request a loaner cable, although availability is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that you verify your device’s compatibility and bring your own HDMI adapter cable.
8. Is a document camera available for use in the courtroom?
Yes, an Epson High Definition document camera is provided on the attorney’s lectern. You may capture and display any page as large as 11” X 17”, as well as any physical objects, using this document camera. You can easily zoom in or zoom out of the viewing area. The captured images from the touch screen can be annotated on screen, thus enhancing the effectiveness of your presentation.
9. Can a flipchart or a whiteboard be used during the presentation?
Yes…and no. You don’t need to bring in or borrow a flipchart or a whiteboard to illustrate your points. You may use the touch screen as a smartboard, which allows you to easily write or draw anything using the provided stylus. You can also import images into the whiteboard application on the touch screen and make annotations. The whiteboard feature is an excellent tool for evidence presentation, especially for jury summations.
10. What are the videoconferencing capabilities in the courtroom?
Skype videoconferencing is a built-in feature of the mobile evidence presentation system. It is integrated within the courtroom audio system. The pan tilt zoom or PTZ camera gives you the flexibility to capture the desirable viewing area for the conference. Typical usage includes, but is not limited to, remote witness testimony and court appearances of inmates, and remote interpreting options for language access. It is standard procedure to always obtain advanced permission from the judge for a video appearance from a remote location.
11. What assistance can you provide to the hearing-impaired?
Assistive Listening Devices will be provided upon request. Sign language interpreters are available if an interpreter is needed. Please notify the clerk if you have difficulty hearing the court proceedings. Advance notice will minimize delays.