The use of audio and visual means of presentation in the courtroom may increase both efficiency and juror comprehension. With minimal effort, attorneys can present documents, photos, objects, and videos, as well as use electronic presentations to show evidence to the judge and jurors. Within our courtrooms, a smart lectern serves as the central station for the attorney to present information in a variety of different ways. It allows for presenting media throughout the courtroom. Laptop inputs are available at the smart lectern and at all attorney tables.
Available Equipment
Below is a list of equipment available in the majority of our courtrooms. If you intend on using the equipment, please contact the presiding judge’s courtroom deputy to discuss what features are available in the courtroom where your proceeding is taking place. If training or instruction is required, notify the courtroom deputy, who will be able to coordinate a time for proper instruction with the appropriate staff.
• Microphones - Microphones are available at each attorney table, the witness box, and lecterns. Additional microphones may be provided to accommodate special circumstances. . They are controlled by a main control system managed by the courtroom deputy.
• Document Camera - Document cameras, also known as visual presenters, are real-time image capture devices for displaying an object or paper document to a large audience. The document camera is located at the smart lectern and allows attorneys to present documents and objects as exhibits onto the monitors throughout the courtroom for viewing by the jury, witnesses, court, counsel, and gallery.
• Flat Panel Displays - Video displays are located on each attorney table and lectern, as well as the witness box, courtroom deputy/courtroom reporter location, and the judge’s bench. LCD panel monitors are also mounted within the jury box for efficient display and view for the jury.
• Annotation Technology - Annotation input displays are located at the lectern as well as the witness box. These displays allow for counsel or a witness to underline, circle, or use a pointer for enhancing the information being displayed throughout the courtroom.
• VCR and DVD Combination Unit – A few courtrooms have this available at the lectern for video presentation. The courtroom deputy can assist in the queuing of the video, and a remote is available for use.
• Laptop Connections
o XGA resolution (1024 X 768) and 60 Hertz refresh rate input ports along with 3.2mm audio ports are available at the lectern as well as each attorney table for portable laptop connection and presentation. If you have any embedded videos on your laptop, some laptop manufacturers recommend a 72 Hertz refresh rate.
o HDMI (1080p, or 1920 x 1080 resolution) laptop connections are also provided at each location in most courtrooms.
• Hearing Impaired head-sets - Wireless headphones are available for any person(s) with hearing loss. Each headphone has an adjustable volume control.
• Language Interpretation - All courtrooms are equipped with interpreting equipment. For more information on how to schedule an interpreter, please contact the courtroom deputy.
• Teleconference and Video Conferencing
o Video conferencing is available within all courtrooms, provided ample time for testing with remote sites has been given.
o All courtrooms are capable of telephonic conferences.
• Wi-Fi Internet – A wireless technology network with internet access is available in all of our courtrooms. The courtroom deputy can provide you with the required access credentials, upon request.
Utilizing Courtroom Technology
Requests for use of an evidence presentation system, either through the use of the Court's equipment, or through an outside vendor, should be discussed in pre-trial proceedings with the courtroom deputy as far in advance of the proceeding(s) as possible. There are no fees for use of the Court’s evidence presentation equipment. Authorization to bring in additional AV equipment and/or a third-party vendor must be granted beforehand by the presiding judge. Local courtroom IT staff can advise on the specifics of the courtroom that will be used. All equipment and/or parties must pass through court security.
The system implemented within these courtrooms allows the user to share evidence from their devices through HDMI or VGA connections. If your device does not have an HDMI or VGA connection, you must bring an appropriate adapter.
If you have a trial scheduled, please contact the courtroom deputy to assure that everything works to expectation. We suggest scheduling a technology walk-through at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled proceeding. We can provide instruction on how to use the system and allow you to test your device's capability with the equipment, as well as any adapters that you bring in. While we are happy to help you get set-up, the Court cannot provide operators during any proceeding.
Electronic Court Recording (ECR)
Electronic Court Recording (ECR) is the electronic recording of a court proceeding through either a digital or tape-recording system, which is used in certain proceedings in place of the creation of a stenographical record by a court reporter. It is only available when a court reporter is not present at the proceeding. A digital copy of a proceeding in which ECR was utilized may be ordered by calling the office of the clerk in Rochester at (585) 613-4000 or in Buffalo at (716) 551-1700.