The trial technology experts on the FTI Trial Services team have experience in all federal district courts and a wide range of state courts. Our consultants have supported clients in all 50 states, several US territories, Europe and Asia. We maintain an extensive database of specific courtroom layouts and configurations as well as courthouse- and courtroom-specific intelligence such as local rules, judge-specific technology preferences, security and a wide range of general venue information.
If we have not previously worked in a client’s designated courtroom, a trial technology consultant will visit the courtroom and provide a site survey report, including scale drawings of the courtroom, proposals for the layout of electronic equipment at the trial and key facts about the venue.
It is common practice to furnish the court with a list of equipment to be installed for trial. FTI can provide that list, and assist counsel with preparation of a draft order allowing installation of the equipment, which will be provided to the marshals informing them of the planned arrival at the building entrance or dock and authorizing the equipment to be unloaded, inspected and moved into the courtroom.
Courtroom Presentation LaptopsBased on our extensive experience at trial, we have developed a standard package of courtroom equipment. The package consists of two FTI-configured IBM ThinkPad T40 notebook computers connected to a presentation system. FTI computers are recommended because they have been specially configured for stability and performance in the courtroom.
Monitors and Projection SystemsA full range of LCD, plasma and DLP monitors of various sizes that support video and digital signals are available for use. Digital projectors are highly recommended for presentations, and current, state-of-the-art projectors that exceed 4000 lumens are easily seen from any angle in the courtroom under full daylight conditions.
Video Deposition ClipsThe use of VHS and S-VHS videotape for viewing work-in-progress or completed presentations for approval is a common practice. However, we do not recommend the use of these tapes at trial because of the limited control and flexibility of the playback equipment and the lower image quality. We therefore strongly recommend that any videotaped depositions first be digitized and synchronized to the ASCII transcript for ease of preparation and courtroom presentation.
Live Document PresentationWhile TrialMax®, the FTI proprietary trial presentation software, permits attorneys to present the entire range of evidence electronically, in some cases trial counsel may want to use a document presenter, or “ELMO,” in their presentation. With a document presenter, a document is placed under a camera, and the image is then projected onto monitors for viewing. This can be effective for live demonstrations or annotations. It is advisable to have such a document presenter available as a backup in the extremely rare situation in which both trial laptops experience technical malfunctions simultaneously. FTI can provide a range of analog and digital presenters to complement your presentation.
ScreensEach trial has its own special requirements, and FTI finds the best solution for each client’s needs. We recommend appropriate screens based on your requirements and the size of the courtroom. We can provide Insta-Theater pull-up screens, standard tripod projection screens or large Fast-Fold projection screens.
Sound SystemsWe design sound systems to suit the courtroom, creating optimal sound quality for your presentation, including depositions and video tutorials.
InstallationFTI trial technology consultants or vendor technicians install equipment prior to trial and dismantle equipment at the end. We can also assist in negotiation with opposing counsel for the sharing of equipment and costs.