July 05, 2006
New state-of-the-art technology will link 53 provincial court locations with correctional facilities around the province, reducing the need to transfer prisoners to the courts for hearings.
Videoconferencing technology uses video cameras and television screens to allow two-way conversations between a courtroom and a correctional facility. Each courtroom will have:
- Flat-panel displays for the judge and court clerk that show the prisoner at the remand centre.
- A wall-mounted plasma television that shows the prisoner at the remand centre to the lawyers and court gallery.
- Equipment that integrates with existing courtroom digital recording equipment.
The remand centre facilities will have:
- A split-screen display that shows the judge, as well as the lawyers and gallery to the prisoner.
- The ability for remand centre staff to listen to each courtroom to take instructions from the clerk or the judge.
Using this technology allows the accused to be present for a hearing while eliminating safety risks to staff and the public when inmates are moved between remand centres and courts. It will also improve court efficiency as there will be no delays while waiting for prisoners to be transferred.
In addition, each courthouse and remand centre will have smaller individual-sized systems to provide private and confidential communication between lawyers and clients.
Victims and witnesses also benefit from videoconferencing. Rural Albertans will be able to appear in court from a location nearer to their home, rather than having to travel to one of the 21 base courts. As well, victims who are unwilling or unable to testify if they must face the accused in person will be able to participate from a safe location.
The technology is being put in place across the province following a successful 2004 pilot project in seven regional courthouses. The cost of purchasing and installing this videoconferencing equipment totals $2.1 million.
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