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.