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Westlaw Wants Your Video Records

3/16/2009

Thomson Reuters is undertaking a major national initiative to solicit video recordings of hearings/trials from judges across the country and publish them on westlaw.com, the largest online legal research database in the world. Video records can produce substantial benefits for both lawyers and judges.

For lawyers, the advantages include the opportunity to observe the presentations of expert witnesses they’re considering using in their own trials; watch counsel examine and cross-examine witnesses on issues of interest; and learn what happened in the courtroom even when they don’t have a transcript. For judges, the benefits include seeing how matters are handled by other courts; the opportunity to watch a witness again before writing an order or opinion; and an excellent way to see how expert witnesses scheduled to testify in their cases testified in other trials.

Many state court systems now permit live streaming video of court proceedings via the Internet to interested parties. The equipment used by Westlaw and its partner Courtroom Connect does not interfere with court proceedings; it typically consists of one compact, stationary video camera on a tripod, a video encoder that enables the video signal to be sent over the Internet, an audio mixer, and a device that transmits the signal. With the exception of the camera, all of the equipment can fit on a small table. It usually takes about four hours to install and test the equipment. To webcast proceedings live, a separate Internet connection can be installed in order to prevent any disturbance to the court’s Internet connection.

This collaboration will also provide video records that the NJC can use as powerful educational tools to show good courtroom management techniques, inform judges about scientific and other complex issues, and demonstrate the effective use of video technology itself. Westlaw would like NJC’s help in identifying upcoming trials, hearings, and other proceedings in cases that may be of interest to lawyers and judges across the country. Please help the College, yourself, and other judges across the country by letting us know if you have any trials or other proceedings coming up that would be good candidates for video streaming and recording.

To participate in this project email the case information and anticipated schedule to NJC President William F. Dressel at shodeen@judges.org or call (775) 327-8260.