Answer

• Technology in Today’s Courthouse

  Technology is increasingly being used in the courthouse today. Technology can be used to display evidentiary exhibits or illustrative aids thus changing the courtroom’s dynamics in an effective and helpful manner. From the judge’s perspective, technology as the ability of increasing the control opportunities of the proceedings, the allocated amount of time in generating rulings and decisions, and the potential for expeditiously making decisions on several court matters (Grant, 2020). For the jurors, technology has the capacity to raise their sense of participation, enhance their understanding of the facts presented in the court (Grant, 2020). This paper examines the implementation of technology in the courthouse today to understand its impacts.

              Closed-Circuit television (CCTV), also referred to as the video surveillance, is a form of technology utilizing video camera to transmit a signal to a specified location on a limited number of monitors. The cameras and the monitors make it possible for live event to be visualized with the footage being archived for a later reference. CCTV can be used to ensure the development of a safe and secured courthouse by deterring violence. Notably, the security camera can aid in establishing any violent acts in the courthouse before they begin since it allow the security personnel to always be on the watch for unanticipated act (Prescott, 2017). The history of the CCTV usage in courtrooms stems back to September 1990 after the Judicial Conference adopted the Ad Hoc’s Committee report regarding the use of Cameras within the courtroom (United States Court, 2020). In this report, electronic media coverage in courtrooms was permitted. As a result, a judge could permit broadcasting, recording, televising, and taking photos in the courtroom. The use of CCTV in courtrooms is important since it increases the level of security in this setting, and makes it easier for the bench to stream any live court proceedings in different destinations (United States Court, 2020).

              Control access is the ability to authorize and authenticate people to access the information which they are allowed to use and see. Controlling access in a courthouse is fundamental to the general security and safety since it reduces the intent of suspicious persons to cause trouble in restricted areas with an aim of influencing trial outcomes. The holding cell and the elevators used for moving inmates are considered as some examples of restricted areas in a courthouse (Council of Superior Court Judges, 2018).

              I think that the use of 4 feet wall quadrants in the courtrooms is effective as it enhances the security of the courthouse. For instance, the defendant’s area is effective in securing the prisoner and his/her access to other areas of the courtroom thus upholding the safety of the judge and the jurors among others available in the court. Moreover, the quadrants access the safety and security of the people by creating a distance between the plaintiff and the defendant to avoid potential arguments. One of the cons associated with the use of the quadrants includes the fact that exiting the courthouse in case of potential security concerns, such as emergency fires, may be difficult by increasing the rates of stampedes and potential deaths.

              Conclusively, technology is increasingly being utilized in several setting such as the courthouse. The use of CCTVs has increased the security of the courthouse by making it easier for security personnel to identify and respond to a potential threat before its occurrence.