Magic Podium: Shining Star in Federal Court
By Noah Wick
When the now-familiar CNN news format was first introduced, it received terrible reviews. Viewers said the screen was too busy and too cluttered, and predicted it would fail dismally since there was too much information to take in at once. Fast forward to today’s teenagers who sit with their laptops conducting multiple IM dialogues, listening to music, sending messages on their cell phones, all while “studying” their history books for homework. Since we can’t escape technology, we need to learn how to embrace it, adopt it and leverage it to our advantage.
Why present information with these high-tech devices during trial? Isn’t it enough to present the facts clearly and succinctly – and verbally? Unfortunately, the facts prove that most of us learn better visually; it has been well established that average jurors remember and understand more when they hear and see details about evidence. Judges acknowledge trials move faster when technology is employed wisely and the U.S. District Court shares this opinion, which is why the “Magic Podium” is now a standard piece of technology in court. However, most attorneys react to this discovery with resignation – or worse, frustration – oh great, another technology device to battle with!
In a recent study, three separate groups were quizzed after the same set of facts had been presented to them by three different methods — the first were lectured to; the second were shown hard boards for some of the key points; the third utilized the latest in graphic technology, including computerized presentation and delivery. The marked difference was between the first and second groups. It didn’t matter nearly as much how the visual materials were presented, simply that these materials were presented in a more accessible and visually engaging manner.
Recent trends in large-scale national litigation show a significant increase in the use of technology-aided presentation in the courtroom. There is no reason why lawyers handling smaller cases should not take advantage of this trend, and many reasons it should not be ignored. Having this technology available to all attorneys in court has the potential to add real authority to the clear and simple theme of your case strategy – and if you don’t use it, guaranteed the opposing counsel will!
The U.S. District Court in Seattle has recently integrated new technological equipment into each courtroom. Many attorneys have dubbed it the “Magic Podium” and while there is nothing truly magical about the podium, the idea of new technical equipment can set off an “Instant Migraine” for the unprepared attorney. Using more technology in court should not be a daunting prospect! Below is a brief overview of the basic attributes and functions - not quite “Instant Aspirin” but a solid overview of how everything works.
Prior to using this equipment, familiarize yourself with the set-up. The “Magic Podium” consists of four basic components: 1) the Control Panel, 2) the Touch Panel Monitor, 3) the Document Camera, and 4) the Video Cassette Recorder, or VCR.
The Control Panel is typically found integrated into the podium and it connects all of the input devices such as the VCR, the DVD player, the Document Camera and the Podium PC into a single system. It also contains functions for “publishing” the information to various screens and to the jury and is the only controller for the VCR and DVD players. Don’t ever use the functions on the players themselves - they will not work properly!
Using the Touch Panel Monitors may seem unfamiliar if you’ve never used a Palm Pilot or Blackberry. The Touch Panel Monitor can be found at the podium and witness stand in all courtrooms. You can use your finger to tap or write on the monitor and the result will be displayed on all monitors in the courtroom. If you tap the screen, arrows will appear. If you draw on the screen, a line will appear. There are “hot spots” at the corners of the touch panel monitors that are activated by tapping them. These hotspots can be used to change the pen color, undo the last change made on the touch panel, or clear the screen of all entries – this offers a great way to manage documents, photographs or slides.
The Document Camera has the ability to project any printed material – or any object – onto a monitor or data projector. Be sure to check the camera is on by finding the green light next to the power button. Also make sure the external lights are on and the lens cover has been removed. Select “Document Camera” as the AV source on the control panel and zoom/focus when needed. We suggest you use the auto focus function for convenience. The Iris button changes the brightness of the document/object.
Recognizing that recent “advances” in courtroom technology are now industry standard, it is natural that the best trial lawyers have adopted these trends to increase their advantage when presenting in the courtroom. Mastering in-court technology or hiring professional assistance can secure your position, helping you achieve a winning performance in trial by shedding new light on your case.
To learn how Prolumina can help you achieve a winning performance before and during trial,
please call (888) 622-6722.
Noah Wick is Director of Marketing & Business Development for Prolumina. He can be reached at 206-622-6700 or Nwick at prolumina.net. Prolumina is the number one choice for litigation support solutions. From intake to verdict, only Prolumina provides your trial team with a single source-point for trial consulting, visual design and technology to create a clear and compelling strategic and tactical advantage.
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