R

Application in
Justice Institutions

Supreme Court of the State of New York, Criminal Term
New York, New York State, USA
www.nycourts.gov/courts/1jd/criminal/generalinfo.shtml

Using technology in the court room is nothing new to theNew York State Supreme Court. In November 1996, theCommercial Division of the court unveiled the Courtroom
2000 and became a pioneer example for adopting
cuttingedge technology to their advantage as part of acourtroom scenario. Fully equipped with flat-screen
monitors, laptop computers, an electronic whiteboard andvideo imaging equipment, this computer-integratedsystem allows cases to proceed in the most efficient andeffective manner.
Visualizers have been used in NY state courtrooms for 10years to allow comprehensive and detailed presentationsof evidence material. However with technology moving on,
the users started to complain that the existing units did not
reproduce accurate colors of the items presented.
Brian DiGiovanna, Special Advisor for Courtroom
Technology at the New York Supreme Court says, "When it
comes to presentations, the end product on the monitor iswhat's most important for jurors, judges and attorneys.
Charts are often purposely done with a lot of colors tomake them more persuasive and clearer to follow. If thecolors are not reproduced correctly, they lose the effect.
When we saw the images produced by the WolfVision
Visualizers, the difference in quality was obvious to allusers.

The portable Visualizer picks up 3 dimensional objects and is thenquickly and easily stored by attorneys after displaying important
evidence.

The colors are reproduced accurately, 3-dimensional objects are displayed better andthe pictures in general, are much clearer."
It's now been two years since the New York Supreme Court has changed to WolfVision.
A WolfVision Professional Series Visualizer with a 3-CCD camera has been placed in
the area used for medical malpractice cases and a compact Portable Series Visualizer
is part of the Courtroom 2000, used in commercial and matrimonial cases.

Brian DiGiovanni, special advisor ofcourtroom technology for the New
York State Supreme Court:"...WolfVision's image quality is by
far the best on the market."

The Professional Series Visualizer has been chosen for presenting medical evidencematerial, including 3-dimensional objects. Also, like in Asbestos cases, X-rays areshown to demonstrate the actual extent of damage that has been done to a plaintiff'sbody.

Portable Visualizer Series

RApplication inJustice Institutions"Whether it's PET scans, CAT scans or MRI's, theProfessional Visualizer allows us to accurately show any
kind of medical imagery in true color with full contrast", says
Brian DiGiovanna who has specifically chosen a model witha 3-chip camera because the color reproduction andcontrast is the best and necessary for these critical cases. It
also has the benefit of defining their own presets for differentpicture settings. When needed, these are quickly recalled,
and with a button-push they can change, for example, from anegative to a positive image. In addition, many color
photographs of buildings, rooms, PET scans and MRIs arepresented by attorneys during the court proceedings.
Due to WolfVision's special light system, even glossy photos
are presented reflection-free, meaning that no details areconcealed from the audience and a clear judgement can bemade.
Timelines are mostly presented with a computer in the court,
showing the key developments during a case. When a dateis called up, details and previously scanned evidence, suchas images or documentation, can be shown from the laptop.
"But since the Visualizer is available, the evidence is often
presented live", says Brian DiGiovanna. Having a piece ofevidence live on display where one can point, mark or zoom
in on an important detail proves to be a more effective way to
get the point across, since computer generated images just
don't seem to have the same impact. The Visualizer also
allows each side to bring in last minute evidence material,
without having to worry about preparing anything.

The Professional Visualizer picks up images with 3-CCD'strue color and contrast, that can play a deciding role inmalpractice suits at the NYS SupremeCourt. Here, theVisualizer is connected to a laptop and picks up an image
from an x-ray that is displayed on the screens of the judge,
jury and lawyers. No more time consuming need to passaround evidence.

In another courtroom used for commercial and matrimonial cases, a WolfVision Portable unit is used to present issued
cheques, signatures on agreements, details in written contracts, or again, photographs of buildings or crime scenes brought
in by attorneys. This unit is especially appreciated for its easy handling and compact size and is directly integrated in theattorney podium. "Compared to our old unit, the Portable Visualizer is half the size but has twice the power", says Brian
DiGiovanna. "Our previous model was very big and bulky. When the attorney was finished with the presentation, it was very
complicated and time consuming for him to fold the arms and lights of the unit down. The WolfVision unit, in comparison, foldsdown in one-step. It's also very handy that the unit turns off at the same time. It makes things much quicker."
New York Supreme Court plays an important role for the legal community. Its mission is not only to communicate the unique
US court system to virtually all countries in the world, but also to increase the comprehension level of available courtroom
technology. During regular programs held in cooperation with the US Justice Department and State of New York, visitors fromother courts or law schools are demonstrated what a difference, as well as impact the right use of technology can make. BrianDiGiovanna has been working to raise the technical standard across all courts of the State of New York.
"Visualizers are on top of the list. The WolfVision units are the only ones considered for this project because the image quality
is by far the best on the market", says Brian DiGiovanna.

www.wolfvision.com

Printed in Austria, November 2006

The contents of this document is for information purposes only. Details can change without notice. Any trade and product names of alternative manufacturers named in thisapplication remain in their ownership. Photos: Wetlab Ltd.