Technology in the Courtroom
Benton Franklin Counties Superior Court has equipment available for use in the courtroom:
Benton County: DVD players, projectors, 24" monitor, carts, easels and projection screens.
Franklin County: All-in-one multi-media cart with computer, DVD player and projector, easels and projection screen. In addition, Courtroom 1 is equipped with two 85-inch monitors that connect to laptops via wifi. Litigants can project documents, PowerPoints, videos and audio recordings wirelessly from their laptops. The system also has video conferencing capabilites. Ther is also a 50-inch monitor with DVD p[layer, mounted on a movable stand.
You are free to use this equipment. However, you must know how it works before you intend to use it. Do not assume that your video media will play in our systems. Try it out ahead of time. You may make an appointment with our Court Administration staff to try out what we have before trial. In Franklin Couny, IT staff must set up the multi-media cart. In Benton County, staff is generally not available during trial to assist you with the operation of this equipment.
You are free to use your own equipment, subject to regulation by the trial judge to avoid interference with the trial process. Know how your own equipment works. Try it out ahead of time. Electronic presentations can be highly persuasive. Fumbling ineffectively with electronic equipment tends to make an attorney appear unprepared and unprofessional. It also wastes juror time.
July 21, 2021
Superior Court Statement On Gradual Transition To In Person Appearances In Court
The Superior Court has indicated in its most recent masking order that in criminal proceedings there is a general presumption of personal appearance. Specifying a presumption in criminal matters is necessary to recognize the unique requirements of identity and presence for some criminal hearings. While the Court wants parties and counsel to start moving more toward in person appearances generally as we re-open, we recognize that this is a process that takes time, and that the Supreme Court’s Emergency Orders are still in effect allowing remote appearances where appropriate. Some counsel and/or their families have health concerns that make it appropriate to continue to appear remotely, as do some litigants. If Counsel, or a party has a reason to continue to appear remotely on any docket, and does not wish to state it on the record, they may contact Court Administration so that it can be communicated to the bench.
Court's Response to Coronavirus Pandemic
En respuesta a la nueva pandemia de coronavirus (o COVID-19), nuestros servicios estaran limitados
Click HERE for the latest information concerning the Court's response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Effective September 1, 2021 - 2021 Superior Court
Local Court Rules
2021 Benton Franklin Counties Local Cou[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]
Ex Parte
Important Notice
Click HERE for a description of the Ex Parte process.
Holiday Schedule
The Courts will be closed for Independence Day on Monday, July 5, 2021.
Please refer to the Court Holiday Schedule to see changes to regular calendar.
Arbitrator Eligibility
Important Notice
Click HERE for information and attestation form.
Superior Court Administration Benton County Justice Center
7122 W Okanogan Pl
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-736-3071
DISCLAIMER
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the Court’s information on the internet pages, the Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Courts cannot insure 100% accuracy. The data and links are provided for informational purposes only and may not have been updated on the date you view it. The Courts assume no liability for any legal consequences arising out of any information on these pages.
Print 