As virtual reality explodes, it will make its way into the courtroom in a way similar to the Miami court reporters of CourtScribes.
Technology in the courtroom is getting much more powerful and the Miami court reporters at CourtScribes are at the forefront.
Technological change in the courtroom ranges from the video, audio and cloud technology used by CourtScribes to the virtual reality on the verge of more widespread use. And no doubt virtual reality will become more available, Forbes reports:
Seeing VR in the courts is set to ‘rapidly’ change in the next few years according to FBI agents and VR specialists. Not a good thing for criminals for sure but not without issue either.
The Newseum and Immersion (a VR production house) have created an interesting example – although not used in law courts – that shows the potential VR has within the legal system. The first ‘experience’ surrounds the Unabomber bombings (1975-1999). Users will be able to explore the primitive cabin where the Unabomber was captured, pick up objects and play detective, immersing themselves in scenes and scenarios that actually happened. Terry Turchie, the FBI agent who ran the task force on that case, narrates the story, which presents the user with important questions about the journalistic ethics involved in deciding whether to publish potentially controversial content.
Is this the future of criminalistics? Can VR really help convict criminals? It’s already happening according to Turchie; “The law enforcement profession is rapidly embracing virtual reality technology to enhance crime scene investigations, crime scene training, and courtroom presentations. Virtual reality technology will play an ever-evolving role, indoors and out, through the use of 3D imaging, mobile mapping, and precision use of measurements, photos and capabilities to secure and preserve crime scenes and evidence.” Currently, mass adoption is only being stopped by the cost of these systems and content per Turchie; “As the cost of using VR technology comes down, it will be widely available to police departments, small and large, to train officers and detectives in the art of crime scene investigations, from honing their observations to recording and collecting evidence.
The coming virtual reality is one thing. But the Miami court reporters of CourtScribes have been offering more accuracy for lower prices thanks to technology before now.
The company uses advances in cloud computing, audio and video technology to enhance its courtroom stenography services, building a more accurate and accessible record while bringing down costs in the process.
“CourtScribes is changing the court reporting industry by using Internet age technology to create the official record of court proceedings, using remote transcriptionists and charging attorneys up to 50% less than what they now pay, and as … a disruptive technology will not only improve the quality of services, but also ultimately extend and even democratize the use of services that are today often restricted only to high profile or high dollar value cases,” writes Barry Unger, a professor and entrepreneur, in a white paper.
