Navigating a Remote Trial: Top 5 Details to Consider
Months have gone by since the pandemic started, and some jurisdictions in the United States are starting to move and adapt to remote trials. As those cases that were originally set for trial during the outbreak standby and wait for new trial dates, the dockets continue to grow. All this makes remote trials alluring —especially where speedy trial requirements demand quick solutions. Luckily, your expert Huseby trial consultant will be there every step of the way with you.
Some trials may be all remote and others may be a combination of remote and in-person. Whether your upcoming trial is scheduled to be remote or in-person, Huseby provides full-service support throughout the lifecycle of your trial with consultants that bring years of courtroom experience to your team.
And while we could explain how having the Huseby family on your team can take your trial to the next level, we wanted to share with you what a client has said about us.
“We retained Huseby for consulting and technical support for trial. The staff at Huseby was accessible to answer any questions we had and worked on short notice to provide any assistance we needed. In very little time, Huseby guided us through the basics of their trial presentation software and put together an effective presentation.
During trial, with the help of a Huseby consultant, we were able to present exhibits in an engaging manner that we would have been unable to do otherwise.” -Litigation Attorney, Morris & Morris, P.C.
From the war room to the courtroom, with our assistance, your team can focus on strategy rather than how to present and display exhibits and video in court. Let's explore the Top 5 Things to Consider When Navigating a Remote Trial, including:
Training Witnesses on Testifying Remotely
This one’s highly important! Provide the necessary training on testifying remotely for your expert witnesses. You’ll need ample time and opportunity for practice.
Technology and Equipment Setup
First, inspect the space and get an understanding of what's possible in the courtroom. Then, meet with the courtroom personnel who can answer your questions and provide you with the right permissions for your setup. Talk it over with your team and figure out what works best for you, relative to the space, and what the court allows. Remember to keep social distancing and other local restrictions in mind.
Take some notes about what equipment is already in the courtroom and what’s available for you to use during trial. Some items to think about are internet and WIFI, projectors or video screens, microphones, speakers, computer monitors, remote desktops, video playback equipment, extension cords and outlet plugs, and remote technology.
It’s important to make sure that the electrical outlets can support whatever technology you decide to bring into the courtroom and aid you and your team during trial.
Connecting Courtroom Technology to Remote Witnesses
In your war room, you’ll want to take the same approach as you do in the courtroom. Dedicate specific workstations for specific needs, such as realtime feed or for case management. Perform mock run-throughs with the courtroom and other break-out rooms for connection and team practice.
As you prepare and plan, keep in mind the size of the space in your war room. As you are creating your war room keep social distancing and other safety protocols in mind.
Realtime Text Streaming
Determine whether realtime streaming will only be available in the courtroom, or also in the war room or other remote locations. Remember to schedule a time to plan and test, as needed. Test the court’s hard wire internet connect and the WIFI and hotspot connections. On the first day of trial make sure to have a tested and charged back-up hotspot on hand.
Team Practice Sessions
Schedule a few practice sessions with your entire team – that includes your witnesses. Check out and run through your exhibit presentations remotely to make sure you have a strong connection and that everything is running properly.
For example, practice blacking out the feed to your remote witness and to the jury for times when evidence must be viewed privately by the judge and counsel.
You’ll also want to test the remote video and audio feed with the attorneys who will be asking the witness questions. It’s important everyone has practiced and is ready when the trial begins.
That way, when the morning of the first day of trial arrives everything is set, and everyone is prepared and ready to go. In the courtroom, in the war room, in the courthouse break-out rooms, and any remote location.
Huseby is here for you. We keep in mind the nuances of the trials and have solutions to questions about remote capabilities.