The Many Benefits of Using Remote Court Reporting Services

Remote court reporting services are slowly gaining popularity in the legal industry. A few months ago, we heard about a trial court in southern Arizona being the first local courtroom to utilize the new technology in the country. After its test launch proved successful, other courtrooms in cities nationwide are looking into launching their own pilot programs to test the application of remote recording systems in their own judicial system.

Remote court reporting allows stenographers to record court proceedings from an offsite location in real time. Further, the new technology allows everyone who is involved in a deposition, but is a long distance away from the courtroom and cannot attend in person to still participate in court procedures simply by connecting to the Internet using their webcam-equipped computers or mobile devices.

It is a virtually new technology that still has a long way to go, but already offsite reporting services are helping to address many challenges that are facing a growing number of trial courtrooms all around the world. The advantages are many, which includes:

Reduction in travel costs - It extends the reach between attorneys, their clients and the courtroom and allows everyone to participate in remote depositions at the same time even though they are not in the same place, thus significantly cutting down expenses needed for travel.

Improved efficiency - Traveling may require a number of days flying in and out of town to attend a deposition, which can affect everyone’s productivity and efficiency. Attorneys, for instance, would need to spend at the very least three full days out of the office because of travel requirements when this time can be spent more productively reviewing case records. In other instances, maybe a judge would decide at the last minute that the case needs more expert testimony to prove the facts, but gives the attorney just a few days to get it. The witness is willing to testify, but lives hundreds of miles away from the location of the hearing. With remote conferencing technology, the witness can be in the courtroom to give testimony on the very day of the hearing, although not physically and from a distance.

Flexibility - Remote connections are accessible through a variety of devices and can be set up whenever and wherever needed, and can be used from any location worldwide.

Ease of use – Remote setups are convenient and easy to use.  Participants can simply connect to any desktop computer, laptop, or tablet with an internet connection, click a few buttons to log in and may be able to participate in the proceedings.

Security – Remote applications are capable of delivering information through a secure, enterprise-grade cloud deployment. This protects information or data by converting it into code to prevent unauthorized access and allows conferencing to take place even in multiple locations with maximum privacy and safety.

Record keeping – Many teleconferencing facilities are capable of streamlining and recording legal proceedings in real time. These recordings are converted into electronic files which attorneys and judges can access and review at any time even after the deposition has ended its session, allowing them to make better decisions about how to manage court cases.

Using remote court reporting services can be an efficient and economical option for holding and participating in a deposition.Judges, attorneys and witnesses can schedule at their convenience, participate from anywhere there is an Internet connection and also communicate and interact with one another just as if everyone were in the same room.