Courtroom Interpreting Control System

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

The demands of a large, diverse population involved with the Fairfax County Courthouse requires a high-volume of interpreting in courtroom trials and hearings. Fairfax County judicial, legislative and executive management recognizes these challenges and encourages innovative ideas and technological solutions to overcome the daily language barriers present during litigation in all three Fairfax County Courts and the Office of the Sheriff. The Fairfax County Court Technology Office (CrTO) led a collaborative effort including judges, court staff, deputy sheriffs, interpreters, and technical staff to implement a technological solution to improve the interpreting processes in the courtrooms, and during arraignment and advisement hearings with the Adult Detention Center (ADC). The challenge was to improve interpreting processes and remove multiple impediments to interpreting with a technical solution that could be integrated with the existing high-tech courtroom infrastructure. In April 2016, the CrTO completed the design and implementation for an enhanced Courtroom Interpreting Control System that could be integrated with the existing courtroom technology. The new interpreting system developed a customized touch panel control device that supports both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting in the courtrooms. The solution also improved the clarity of the overall courtroom audio, streamlined courtroom interpreting protocols, and improved the processes with the Adult Detention Center during remote arraignments that allow non-English speaking individuals to speak directly through an interpreter. The CrTO mission strategically aligns all projects to the originating principles and objectives: To improve citizens’ access to the courts, facilitate trials and hearings in the most effective and efficient means possible, allow for all three Courts to share common resources, and provide for flexibility and adaptability to incorporate future changes in technology and court proceedings.