Objecting To High-Tech Prosecutors
A technology system that would allow prosecutors in Bergen County, N.J., to use wireless laptop computers in the courtroom to conduct online legal research and conduct presentations is being criticized by public defenders who say the plan gives the prosecution an unfair advantage.
The prosecutors are paying for the wireless system out of their budget, but public defenders say they lack the resources to do the same. Thomas Rosenthal with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender says the technology will put public defenders and their clients at a clear disadvantage.
Wireless Internet systems have been installed in certain courtrooms in Bergen, Middlesex, and Atlantic counties during the past half-year, at a cost to the state of about $160 per month for all three counties and a one-time installation fee of $4,000.
The technology could be expanded to every county court in New Jersey within the next three years, and plans are being considered to extend the technology to probation officers and all other judiciary staff.
Having the wireless access means prosecutors will be able to carry evidence in their laptops, do on-the-spot research, and keep in touch with researchers at their law offices.
Camden County Prosecutor Vincent Sarubbi is eager to have wireless capabilities, noting that “the days of prosecutors carrying four bags full of 50 files each could go by the wayside if we have this technology.”
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Benton County Daily Record (AR) (08/19/05) P. A1; Markos, Kibret .
