1. Is internet access available within the courtroom?
A dedicated Wi-Fi Access Point has been installed in the courtrooms. 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 and counsel tables. You may charge your laptops, tablets or smartphones. However, you should bring your own 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 assistance can you provide to the hearing-impaired?
Each courtroom is equipped with an infrared Assistive Listening System (ALS). Please ask court staff for a receiver to use the system. Courtesy headphones and ear covers are available, but you can also use your own 3.5mm earbuds or headphones Sign language interpreters are available if an interpreter is needed.
5. What are attorneys required to bring to the courtroom for evidence presentation?
The court provides an HDMI interface for attorneys to connect their personal devices to the court AV system in order to present digital evidence. HDMI inputs are available at attorneys' tables for transmitting media from external devices such as Windows laptops, MacBooks, tablets, and smartphones to the courtroom monitors. To use the HDMI interface, your device must support HDMI. If your device has an HDMI-compatible video port, you will be able to project your device’s display to the courtroom monitors, regardless of manufacturer or operating system in use.
It is strongly recommended that you verify your device’s compatibility and bring your own HDMI adapter cable if your device has USB-C or Lightning outputs. The courtroom may have a courtesy adapter, but that is not guaranteed.
Please note that the use of USB flash drives or DVDs to display evidence on a court PC is discouraged due to security and privacy concerns. It’s preferred to connect your personal device(s) to the court AV system.
6. Can tablets or smartphones be used during the presentation?
Yes. Using an HDMI adaptor specific to your device, you can present evidence from your tablet or smart phone. Some courts will have the adaptors available, but it is strongly recommended that you bring your own.
7. Can evidence stored in the cloud or social media be presented in the courtroom?
Yes. You can use the browser on your laptop to access Facebook, YouTube, and cloud storage such as DropBox, OneDrive, and Google Drive when connected to the Public Access Wi-Fi.
8. Is a document camera available for use in the courtroom?
Yes. A 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, onto the courtroom monitors 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. Using the built-in whiteboard feature of the Annotator you will be able to present in the courtroom.
Whiteboard sessions, as well as annotated evidence, can be printed in color and/or saved digitally.
10. What are the videoconferencing capabilities in the courtroom?
Teams videoconferencing is a built-in feature of the evidence presentation system that is integrated within the courtroom audio/ video system. The courtroom is fixed with multiple cameras that can be customized as needed for the virtual appearance. Typical usage includes, but is not limited to, remote witness testimony, 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.