EDS accelerates historic trial with new courtroom system
IT services company EDS Australia has developed a world leading courtroom technology solution that is expected to reduce the length of the Snowtown murder trial by up to 20 per cent.
EDS, working in close collaboration with South Australia’s Courts Administration Authority, has developed a state-of-the-art courtroom powered by a software solution called Courtroom Technology System (CTS).
The CTS application, developed at the EDS Solution Centre in Adelaide, is a networked electronic evidence display system that provides access to video, audio and data. It currently operates in Adelaide’s Sir Samual Way Building, which has been specially fitted out with discreetly placed monitors, video conferencing facilities, and audio visual equipment.
The Snowtown trial was initially expected to take 12-18 months due to the more than 7000 pieces of evidence and 1500 witness statements before the court.
However, CTS has enabled evidence to be scanned and viewed electronically, resulting in improved courtroom efficiency.
Time savings will primarily be achieved by the instantaneous display of evidence, avoiding the usual practice of manually passing around evidence in a courtroom. According to a recent West Australian Courts study, it traditionally takes seven minutes on average for all relevant courtroom parties to view a single piece of evidence.
State Courts Administrator Mr Bill Cossey said the business case for CTS was very sound.
“We can reduce court costs, minimise the length of the trial and make the court proceedings more inclusive for the jury, defendants and public,” he said.
“The Courts Administration Authority has worked closely with EDS on this project and the end result is an appropriate blend between leading edge technology and the traditional courtroom environment.”
CTS’ ease of use is also a major benefit, resulting in equitable access and minimal training for all parties in the court. The system is controlled by the Judge’s Associate with a single touch screen.
Enhanced security is another key feature of CTS. The system features biometric fingerprint recognition login for counsel and the Judge. The system also includes an electronic display screen that doubles as an electronic whiteboard, enabling a witness to view and mark an exhibit electronically in full view of the court.
EDS also designed a vulnerable witness room, separate from the main courtroom, which is totally integrated into the solution.
EDS Client Relationship Executive and Courtroom Solution Architect, Diana Gardner, said CTS offered more than just financial savings. “Cutting the trial length by several months makes a big difference to what will already be a huge commitment by the jurors,” Ms Gardner said.
The Snowtown trial is hearing evidence against two men accused of the murder of 12 people whose bodies were discovered in barrels at a disused bank vault in 1999 in Snowtown in rural South Australia and in other locations around suburban Adelaide. A third man is also facing three counts of murder with that trial to commence at the conclusion of the current trial. The total cost of the courtroom redevelopment was $A3 million, incorporating the EDS component of $A1.8 million which includes support services throughout the trial.