Electronic Courtroom 2 for Justice Center, Flathead County District Court

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local governments, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

Flathead County will use its FY 09 JAG award to implement an 'electronic courtroom' in Flathead County District Court. Courtrooms utilize document/evidence cameras pointing at a base where evidence and visual aids are placed. This permits projection of any type of physical evidence, such as pictures, slides, documents, X-rays, MRIs, and three-dimensional objects on one or more televisions. The judge is able to view the evidence and, if deemed permissible, transmit the evidence to jurors, counsel, and witnesses making for a more productive and efficient way to view evidence.

NCA/NCF