Technology and the Courts

Waymaker

Courts & Judiciary

An Interview with Chief Judge Eric T. Washington

By Judge Michele D. Hotten

Chief Judge Eric T. Washington has served as the chief judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals since 2005. His efforts to address the systemic, inequitable impact of money bonds on the poor and persons of color has earned him the respect of many.

Features

Courts & Judiciary

Judging in the Age of Technology

By Fredric I. Lederer

Judges increasingly must deal with technology in its myriad forms. This article suggests that technology is and will continue to be so important that basic technological competence should be a requirement for competent judging.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity for Lawyers and Law Firms

By Vincent I. Polley

As with any complex case coming into the office, security is manageable. Analyze the problem, spot the issues, and break it down into necessary tasks.

Courts & Judiciary

To Follow or not to Follow: The Brave New World of Social Media

By Justice Barbara A. Jackson

The progression of technology and its continued presence before the courts are precisely why members of the judiciary must stay engaged and understand how various forms of social networking media work.

Courts & Judiciary

Online Litigation and Adjudication of Local Ordinance Violations

By John C. Allen IV

Cook County, Illinois, is creating an Internet-based system that allows a person who has been charged with violating a County ordinance the ability to contest that violation without being personally present. The ability to attach photographs and video to a statement detailing a defense breaks the usual hearing room paradigm.

Courts & Judiciary

Drones: The Coming of Age of a Not-So-New Technology

By Judge C. Philip Nichols

Today, we are faced with an array of technological advances from computerized research to DNA, to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. Since their inception in the 1910s, drones have played a prominent role throughout our history. Currently, there are 13 states with laws addressing weaponization, data collection, and other issues. As drone deployment crosses over from military use to private and commercial use, a model act should be created to provide an over-arching road map for the states.

Expert Witnesses

Preserving, Harvesting, and Authenticating Social Media Evidence

By Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek

In the last decade, the use of social media evidence has exploded in courts. Two e-discovery and digital forensics experts, who frequently see preliminary courtroom skirmishes that are not embodied in court opinions, offer their thoughts on how to properly preserve, harvest, and authenticate social media evidence.

Appellate Practice

Bifurcated Appellate Review: The Texas Story of Two High Courts

By Ben L. Mesches

Author Mesches explores the historical basis for the bifurcated appellate system in Texas and describes the challenges and benefits of the system along with some bold attempts at structural reform. Mesches concludes that without a major reform effort finding broad support from the legislature and voters, bifurcated review will likely continue.

Courts & Judiciary

Court Security on a Beer Budget

By Judge Lee Sinclair and Timothy F. Fautsko

Incorporating “beer-budget” techniques can add to and supplement a well-rounded security plan.

Courts & Judiciary

Security Incident Reporting: An Essential Best Practice for All Courts

By Zygmont A. Pines and Mary Beth Marschik

Incident reporting provides timely, valuable information that adds to the arsenal of protective measures necessary to increase vigilance and thwart potential attacks inside and outside courthouses.

Ethics Column

Courts & Judiciary

Judges Must Keep Up with Technology: It’s Not Just for Lawyers

By Marla N. Greenstein

Judges require technological literacy to be effective and to exercise their responsibility in a virtual world.

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association

Technology and the Courts

Technology Changes Coming Faster and Faster

Waymaker

An Interview with Chief Judge Eric T. Washington

Features

Judging in the Age of Technology

Cybersecurity for Lawyers and Law Firms

To Follow or not to Follow: The Brave New World of Social Media

Online Litigation and Adjudication of Local Ordinance Violations

Drones: The Coming of Age of a Not-So-New Technology

Preserving, Harvesting, and Authenticating Social Media Evidence

Bifurcated Appellate Review: The Texas Story of Two High Courts

Court Security on a Beer Budget

Security Incident Reporting: An Essential Best Practice for All Courts

Ethics Column

Judges Must Keep Up with Technology: It’s Not Just for Lawyers