Remote arraignments have been used in Dade County, Florida since 1982 when two-way television was initiated for first appearances in misdemeanour cases. Video conferencing facilities in the courtroom may also one day allow the use of jurors from other venues without actually having to move the physical location of the trial. Multiple computer-controlled cameras are installed in Courtroom 21. The image from each camera appears in one of a number of small windows with a larger window automatically switching to show the image from the location where the audio is originating. Even the less sophisticated programs provide the ability to scroll back and forth through the text.
Lawyers can review fresh oral testimony during breaks or over lunch.
Evidence is presented using an automated trial presentation system. Exhibits are converted and stored in digital form so that they can be projected onto a large projection screen or video monitors in the courtroom. Particular exhibits can then be called up and displayed almost instantaneously and the lawyer and expert witnesses gain the ability to annotate the evidence during testimony. The Courtroom 21 facilities were assembled for demonstration and experimentation by private- sector companies. These same companies have also committed to periodic upgrading of the system to ensure that all components remain current.