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Electronic Presentation of Evidence has already been an important part of high profile cases such as the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.
One of the drivers of the use of electronic presentation of evidence is the desire of the courts to restore public confidence in the legal system. EPE allows courts to improve effectiveness of courtroom operations.
Because of lack of standardized courtroom systems for EPE, the EPE system needs to be portable.
The best use of EPE requires consideration of the issues long before trial. This is because evidence needs to be gathered, stored electronically, collated, and cross referenced. The EPE system must have all needed functionality, and it must be easy to operate. EPE must integrate with the rest of the applications in the courtroom. Some systems, such as eCourt Blueprint, are accompanied by an operator who acts on counsel's commands to call up the correct exhibits for display.
Another issue concerning EPE is the security of the system. Internet connections should not be permanent, and should be authorized by the court. Evidence should not remain on the server when it is being removed from the courtroom. Networks for the EPE system should be carefully isolated from other networks, and the general internet.
The Goals of EPE are inter-related:
- Streamlines case presentation, sometimes by as much as a third (according the Judge Peter Ader)
- highlight relevant evidence
- easy to understand pictorials and diagrams
- focus attention
- shorter trials
- quicker readiness for trial
- saves time locating and displaying documents
- display documents and graphics in all formats
- include audio capabilities
- include video capabilities
- Higher quality of justice
Products for Electronic Presentation of Evidence:
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