Equipment Proposal for Court administration Tara Franklin CRJU145 Dr. J. Michael Skiba

Introduction The Courts Administration would greatly benefit from technology resources that are available to make courts and communities safer and run more efficient. Technology for the courts would provide assistance in monitoring to protect staff and citizens. Electronic monitoring would assist the courts with offenders who are on probation and for those that need close monitoring. Last, I also feel its essential for the court to invest in a system that would allow better case presentation and would keep things organized and run smoothly during a trial.

Web/Video Based hearings Positives Security Prevent Violence Cost Effective With tragedies that have happened in courts such as in Fulton County, where a defendant killed a judge, a court reporter, and security officer, we must take preventative measures to prevent another incident. Web based videos would have not only prevented this tragedy because the defendant would have had an arraignment through video and from the jail to prevent court violence or give an offender the chance to snap. Video conferencing would also save on transporting cost. Instead of traveling from jail to court, it could all be done from the jail.

Web/video based hearings Disadvantages Offenders Rights to face their accuser Interfere with Constitutional Rights Although web based video would be great for arraignments, the disadvantage of web based video is whether or not an offender would like to show up for trial in person. Offender have the constitutional right to face their accuser in person. The courts would need to decide if web based hearings were worth the money for at least arraignments. I think it would because you are still saving some money for part of the process.

Electronic Monitoring Positives Prevent Overcrowding Cost Effective Electronic monitoring is not only cost effective by saving the state money from housing cost but it’s a way to protect the community by allowing the courts to be able to keep an eye on offenders. This also prevents recidivism because of the monitoring offenders are less likely to reoffend.

Electronic Monitoring Challenges Flight Risk Offender Privacy Emotionally Affects Offenders Family The only drawback on electronic monitoring is an offender could possibly be a flight risk, but with proper evaluations and of course depending on the charges this could prevent an issue. An offender does not have a lot of privacy but jail doesn’t provide privacy either, so this isn’t very concerning. Monitoring takes a toll on families in that is prevents a life for families outside of home but to be able to have interaction and not walls seems fair and fitting since they aren’t in confinement amongst several other offenders.

DNA & Forensic Evidence Presentation Positives Efficient Trials and helpful to jurors Courts Up to Speed with Technology Courthouse presentation is beneficial for lawyer and jurors as it helps the flow of a trial and gives the jurors a better understanding of evidence. This gives the courts an outstanding view of documents and exhibits to help everyone follow the case easily. Its best to have a system that can not only be controlled by lawyers but gives the judge control with a “kill switch” for anything inappropriate.

DNA & Forensic Presentation Disadvantage Costly Lack of Skilled Computer Practioners This equipment can be expensive and will need someone who is tech savvy. You would also need to know how to handle glitches that can occur during a trial. Having the old method by the use of black boards, easels, and poster boards or bring an laptop on stand bye just incase there is a technical issue that arises. For the lack of skilled computer practitioners, there is always technical support companies that provide training and help.

Reflection I feel each resource is necessary for the courts because each resource offers something that helps the courts with security issues, time management, and efficiency. I think the money spent to purchase these items will repay itself with the money saved by using and having new technology.

ReFERENCES Electronic Monitoring Reduces Recidivism, 2011, retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/234460.pdf Courthouse Violence in 2010-2012: Lesson Learned: Final Report , retrieved from http://ncsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/facilities/id/182 Skalaver, Stacey, n.d., The Pros and Cons of Using Electronic Monitoring Program in Juvenile Cases retrieved from www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/migrated/sections/criminal O’Toole, Leslie. C, Gwartney,Lannie, Kuchler, Deborah, D., 2007, Advantages and Pitfall of Modern Courtroom Technology, retrieved from https://www.bing.com/search?q=advantages+and+pitfalls+of+modern+courtroom+techn ology form=EDGEAR&qs=PF&cvid=0b57f81e7cad480ba23d3b556014d88a&pq=advantages+and+pitfalls+of+modern+courtroom+technology Evidence Presentation, 2016, United States Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada retrieved from http://www.nvb.uscourts.gov/judges/courtroom-technology/evidence-presentation/ McGinnis, Ashton, Video Conferencing Hits the Courtroom, retrieved from https://www.avisystems.com/blog/videoconferencing-hits-the-courtroom/