E-Courtrooms

Advanced technology is available for judges, lawyers and litigants in many Maricopa County Superior Court electronic courtrooms, also known as E-Courtrooms.

Video cameras are activated by sound. Microphones can detect the slightest whisper. Flat screen monitors simplify evidence presentation. Two-way video conferences allow court appearances from other locations around the country. And, touch-screen technology allows witnesses and attorneys to highlight exhibits on any screen image.

Studies have found that high-tech court proceedings can cut trial time for a civil case by 25 percent. Prior to the use of high tech courtrooms, litigants were limited to presenting evidence by displaying sketches, photographs and case documents on easels or by passing them to jurors to view individually. The new technology allows lawyers to use laptops and a touch screen computer to simultaneously display and annotate evidence on the monitors in the jury box and around the courtroom. It is an easier, more effective way to litigate a case.

Proceedings in E-Courtrooms are recorded. The audio/video recording technology creates a verbatim record without the use of a court reporter. Copies of proceedings are available on a CD.

E-Courtroom technology opens the justice system and trial proceedings instantaneously and globally outside the courthouse. In the future, some trials may be broadcast over the Internet.

Visitors, litigants and the legal community are invited to learn more about Superior Court's E-Courtrooms. For more information about E-Courtroom technology, tours, demonstrations and training sessions,
contact Ken Crenshaw at (602) 506-3269.

Audio and Video Copies

Superior Court proceedings are preserved using digital audio/video recording. To order a copy of the digital recording please email Electronic Records Services at ERS@jbazmc.maricopa.gov or call 602-506-7100.

Ordering Transcripts

To order transcripts of digitally recorded court proceedings call Electronic Records Services (602-506-7100) for instructions.

Juvenile Court Digital Recording

Proceedings in all juvenile courtrooms are preserved using digital recording. Court reporters will not be ordered for hearings unless requested by a party. Written notice for a court reporter must be filed with the Clerk of the Court and Juvenile Court Administration at least 72 hours before commencement of the proceeding.

To request copies of digitally recorded juvenile court proceedings or to request transcripts of juvenile court proceedings, please call 602-506-2712.

Behind the Controls

The audio and visual systems in the E-Courtrooms are controlled by judges and staff.

Flat-screen monitors can be activated for jurors and spectators. The sound can be muted during bench conferences and listening enhancement devices can be activated for the hearing impaired.

Litigants and attorneys control evidence and presentation display systems and can draw, write or highlight any image on the screen.

Each courtroom is equipped with an Evidence Presentation System that includes a 12-inch touch-screen monitor, document camera and a VCR for evidence display.

Some jury boxes are furnished with flat screen, color monitors. Other E-Courtrooms utilize overhead video projection screens. Monitors are mounted on the judge's bench, witness stand and counsel tables. The audience can view the proceedings from two large monitors that hang from the ceiling in some courtrooms.