Telejustice: Video Conferencing in the Courtroom Showcased as BTK Suspect Deposed over Polycom
Business Editors/High-Tech Editors
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 2005--
Video Conferencing Used for Trials, Lawyer/Client Consultations, Depositions, and Processing Inmates Safely -- Increasing Efficiency in Handling Docket and Lowering Costs Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, provides video conferencing systems for telejustice applications in the courtroom and among lawyers -- offering judges, legal professionals, court officials, inmates and witnesses an efficient, cost effective and safe process for deposition, trials and consultations. States such as West Virginia and Florida are now employing video conferencing countywide and a recent, highly publicized case in Wichita, Kansas demonstrated the clarity and effectiveness of video conferencing as a judge read ten counts of murder to the BTK suspect, who attended the deposition by Polycom video conference. Not just confined to the courtroom, video conferencing is also used nationwide by lawyers in preparation for trial to consult with clients, depose witnesses and confer with colleagues using the i2i Legal Network, an affiliation of more than 225 court reporting firms using Polycom systems.
"Polycom's solutions enable the judicial system to increase productivity, save money and most importantly, protect the security of court officials, employees, even the defendants themselves," said Craig Lynar, vice president of solutions marketing at Polycom. "Telejustice is one of the fastest growing video applications. The TV-like quality of the video and near-CD sound quality ensures these face-to-face encounters are as clear and effective as in-person meetings."
Increased safety concerns surrounding the BTK defendant led officials in Wichita to video conference the initial hearing between the judge in a courtroom and the defendant in jail across town. Video conferencing is gaining acceptance as a more secure way to conduct proceedings and avoid the potential for what recently happened in Atlanta, when a rape suspect overwhelmed and killed his guard, the judge and several others as he was being transferred to the court for sentencing.
Safety is not the only benefit to video conferencing. It can save travel costs in rural areas and increase the number of cases a judge can process in a single day. In Florida's 10th Circuit Court, which mandates defendants be brought before the judge within 24 hours of arrest, 36 Polycom video systems enable the average South Central Circuit judge to double and even triple (to between 60 and 90) the number of first-appearance hearings conducted in a day.
"The risk of transporting a difficult inmate can generate increased cost and safety worries for those handling the prisoner," said Jannet Lewis, trial court technology officer for the 10th Circuit Court. "Polycom's videoconferencing solutions have given the court a cost-effective way to respond to these concerns while also increasing the court system's efficiency."
West Virginia Supreme Court, ranked as the busiest appellate court of its type in the country, scheduling 100,000 to 150,000 first appearance hearings a year, also uses Polycom's videoconferencing solutions. West Virginia's technical staff explored using video conferencing because the regional jail system was spending millions of dollars transporting inmates for initial court room appearances. On average, it took four to nine staff hours to transport a prisoner from the jail to the magistrate court. Within the first year of using video conferencing, the Supreme Court saved the state $30 million in transportation costs.
"We needed technology that would make the judicial process more efficient," said Kit Thornton, deputy director for technology for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. "Every interaction affected by distance now uses videoconferencing -- jails, courts, schools, city hall. Our 100 Polycom units connect nine regional jails and 55 counties throughout West Virginia. They are robust yet easy enough to use for courtroom officials and jail staff."
Ron Goldman, the founder of Video TeleCon's i2i Network, saw a need for technology that could meet lawyers' requirements for in-person communication. Since setting up his network after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, his Polycom video conferencing systems have been used by:
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| -- | A New Jersey attorney to depose witnesses in England, Germany and Jordan for a high profile employment case. |
| -- | New York attorneys to consult with a leading pediatric neuroradiologist in Philadelphia prior to an opening statement in a Long Island case regarding a pediatric brain injured patient. |
| -- | A Seattle lawyer to beam an expert witness into court. |
| -- | And lawyers nationwide to coordinate mass tort suites such as those around diet drug, tobacco and asbestos litigation. |
"Videoconferencing solves many of the most pressing challenges faced by the legal profession," said Goldman. "We've only just begun to scratch the surface in terms of helping this market realize the full potential of the technology for reducing the costs and headaches of travel and boosting productivity."
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at
www.polycom.com.
Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2005, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.
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CONTACT: VisiTech PR Melody Callaway, 303-752-3552 ext. 223 Melody@visitechpr.com
KEYWORD: KANSAS FLORIDA CALIFORNIA WEST VIRGINIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS HARDWARE LEGAL/LAW GOVERNMENT PRODUCT SOURCE: Polycom, Inc.
Copyright Business Wire 2005
