Virtual Court?

[mrhaskellok]

I know I am a "dreamer" but I have to think that we are not to far away from this being a real possibility.

Imagine getting a ticket, go to your local municipal court's web site, and paying your "bill".  Too easy right?  Probably even being done.  
But let's take this one step further...

Let's say you have a "virtual" court room.  A judge that sits at his desk, DA's their's etc.

If you have a case against someone you can choose to file yours through a web based court system.  You put your hand on the bible and swear with certificates (like you do when you file your taxes online).  Then, using a web cam you can appear before the judge with your case.  

Of course people must be able to view the proceedings when the law requires.   But imagine a chat room style court room.  You can talk with a mic or simply type.  

I like the idea because it gives people a much easier way to file civil cases against, say people polluting their sky at night with a bright flashing light.  []  Again, I think that people ( the victims) need to have a reliable, easy way to file civil claims.  

Who wants to take the ball field to court over light pollution?  Well, I just might if I had an easier way to do this without having to hire an attorney.  

What do you all think?

[cannon_fodder]

Done it.

Actually, it is done to some extent.  Certain portions of a trial proceeding can be done by video conference.  This saves the cost, hassle, and risk of transporting a prisoner to the court room for what are usually minor "appearances." The attorney can be with the client or in the court room.

BUT, there has been a line drawn.  I don't know the case off hand, but the right to a jury trial and to face your accuser dictates actual face time.  So a full digital trial probably won't work out - though the rules are different for cases not risking liberty.  So perhaps small claims could be done this way...

[custosnox]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Done it.

Actually, it is done to some extent.  Certain portions of a trial proceeding can be done by video conference.  This saves the cost, hassle, and risk of transporting a prisoner to the court room for what are usually minor "appearances." The attorney can be with the client or in the court room.

BUT, there has been a line drawn.  I don't know the case off hand, but the right to a jury trial and to face your accuser dictates actual face time.  So a full digital trial probably won't work out - though the rules are different for cases not risking liberty.  So perhaps small claims could be done this way...

There are actually exceptions to this rule.  One in particular is a criminal issue involving a molestation of a minor child.  The child fell apart when she saw the guy, obviously unable to give testimony against him.  As an alternative, it is being allowed for these types of cases for a video feed to be used.

[mrhaskellok]

Cool, glad to know I am not the only genius.    []

But yeah, I am looking forward to being able to file a claim on Sonic, while watching re-runs of American Idle on youtube.  []

I hope everyone knows I am kidding.

[cannon_fodder]

quote:Originally posted by custosnox


There are actually exceptions to this rule.  One in particular is a criminal issue involving a molestation of a minor child.  The child fell apart when she saw the guy, obviously unable to give testimony against him.  As an alternative, it is being allowed for these types of cases for a video feed to be used.

I understand that, there are exceptions to every rule - just trying to give him the heads up.

Also, I disagree with the exception.  As much as it sucks the accused has a right to face his accuser.   Sex crimes have become a guilty until proven innocent situation I'm afraid - juries can watch the accuser and determine if fear or undue influence is involved.  I'd rather set a few molesters free than create an atmosphere where it is easy to convict an innocent man (the general nature of our system agrees on all but these instances).