Since video conferencing technologies first came onto the scene, countless businesses have taken advantage of the technology as a way to remain in communication with employees and customers that were located throughout the world. As the technology has continued to become more advanced, there are more and more uses for video conferencing solutions outside of the boardroom. In recent years, video conferencing systems have made their way into the courtrooms and onto the witness stands.
Video conferencing systems, when used correctly can allow prisons and courthouses to operate more efficiently and in a safer manner. The can allow for quicker arraignment hearings for criminal cases which can help to reduce the costs that tax payers have to pay to keep the systems operating at optimal levels. Being able to use video conferencing to take part in court proceedings can create a reduction in time and costs, more convenience and better protection of vulnerable persons, explains Peter Van Rotterdam, with Innovating Justice.
Saving Time
The ability of video conferencing to shrink the world has never been truer when it comes to the legal system. There are often times when being able to get to the courthouse to handle legal matters is just not possible. Whether the issue is due to being physically unable to make the trip, or because of the distance involved. With the use of video conferencing equipment, these barriers can be broken down. Video conferencing systems, like those provided by the Blue Jeans Company plays a key role in breaking down hurdles that may prevent individuals from being able to participate in trials or deal with their own legal matters. According to the United States Courts website, the use of videoconferencing in the courtrooms can help judges and attorneys work around an unexpected health problem or emergencies that might otherwise interfere with travel. This can save both parties time from having to reschedule time to meet that works best for all parties involved.
Saving Money
When it comes to criminal cases that are brought in front of a judge, the use of video conferencing systems can be utilized to save money for both the courts and the plaintiffs. If a plaintiff is needed to testify in front of a jury, often times the cost for the individual to appear in the court is billed back to the plaintiff. Bringing in video conferencing solutions into the courtrooms can counties and states can help lower the inmate transportation costs significantly. For most counties, transporting inmates from jail to the courthouse for arraignment ends up absorbing too many resources explains Danielle Beurteaux at BizTech. By installing video conferencing equipment at the jail, inmates can be arraigned without having to spend the resources to have them transported to the courthouses.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Every time an inmate is taken from the jail and transported to the courthouse a number of people’s lives are put at risk. Not only are the judges putting their lives on the line by sitting in front of the inmates during their arraignment hearings, but the security officers, court personnel, and public are at risk as well. The risk is increased when the proceedings involve more than one offender. Video conferencing solutions started becoming more prevalent when more violent incidences broke out in courtrooms across the country and they are revolutionizing the way cases are being tried today, notes Security Magazine. Being able to keep inmates in confined areas reduces the safety risk and increase security.
**Creates More Accessibility **
Not only are video conferencing solutions helping in the courtrooms, but they are also helping with administrative duties as well. Administrators, court appointed mediators, government social workers, etc., can all benefit daily from the use of video conferencing technology. Video conferencing systems can help administrators schedule appointments. They can also help facilitate dispute resolution meetings without the parties having to make a trip to the courthouse. With the use of video conferencing equipment the parties are able to take control of the process and play an active role in determining a solution.
Utilizing the technology that is available is something that many businesses have always done. They take advantage of new processes and systems that will save them time and money and that will increase their productivity. Video conferencing technology, while not new, has just started to make its way into the justice system in the last several years. With the benefits of saving both time and money and keeping everyone involved in legal matters and disputes, it won’t be long before every courthouse is taking advantage of the technology. As the technology becomes more advanced and the costs continue to decrease, it won’t be long before every courthouse in America uses video conferencing solutions to run their courtrooms.