How Should You Prepare for Courtroom Technology Failure?

To prepare for courtroom technology failure, build and test a second presentation path before the first witness is called.

Quick Answer

Prepare for courtroom technology failure with two complete, mirrored presentation systems connected through a tested A/B switch. The trial technician in the hot seat should be able to move immediately from the primary computer to the backup computer.

Both systems must contain the complete current case and should be synchronized at lunch and after each court day. Maintain organized local, cloud and hard-copy backups; duplicate the critical equipment; and keep an ELMO document camera available. Complete a full operational run-through in the courtroom the day before trial whenever permitted.

Key Takeaways

• Maintain two functioning, mirrored computers containing the complete current case.
• Connect both systems through a tested A/B switch for immediate changeover.
• Synchronize the systems at lunch and after each court day.
• Keep organized local, cloud and hard-copy versions of critical exhibits.
• Complete the courtroom setup and walkthrough before trial to confirm that every presentation path is working.

Build Two Complete, Mirrored Presentation Systems

In decades of courtroom presentation work, I learned that a backup must be able to present the case—not simply store files. Our trial setups used two complete computer systems connected through an A/B switch. If the primary computer failed, the trial technician could move to the mirrored system with the flick of a switch.

Mirrored systems should contain the same current data. For TrialDirector, that means the complete case file, exhibit list and every linked source file. A TrialPad workflow should include a second iPad containing the complete current case.

Keep another local copy on a portable drive, organized under the case name into folders such as Exhibits, Depositions, Video and Photographs. Cloud storage adds another layer only when synchronization and offline availability have been confirmed. Organized hard copies of critical exhibits provide an additional path.

The person in the hot seat handles the day-to-day presentation. Other people may help transport and set up the equipment, but the hot-seat technician should control both computers, the A/B switch and the presentation during trial.

Protect and Test the Entire Presentation Path

Duplicate the components whose failure could interrupt the presentation: computers, cables, adapters, power supplies and surge protectors. When the trial team supplies the projector, have a tested backup—ideally the same model as the primary projector. If the projector uses a replaceable lamp, carry a compatible spare and know how to install it.

Transport the equipment in protective hard-shell cases. Secure courtroom wiring with appropriate floor tape. Proper cable control protects the equipment, reduces a safety risk and maintains a professional courtroom appearance.

An ELMO document camera can be invaluable when the computers or presentation software become unavailable but the projector remains operational. Place the hard copy under the ELMO and display it directly on the courtroom screen. If counsel has pre-treated exhibits by adding callouts, arrows or highlights in advance, printed copies can preserve much of the intended presentation.

A duplicate printer or scanner is generally unnecessary. A hard copy or clear photograph can be displayed immediately through the ELMO and added to the digital case later when appropriate, if not already in the database.

Complete the courtroom setup and walkthrough at least the day before trial whenever access is available. Operate both computers through the A/B switch and confirm that either system reaches the monitors and projector. Project actual exhibits, play representative deposition clips, test both projectors and the ELMO, and confirm that the speakers are clear and free from distortion.

A complete courtroom walkthrough is one of the most effective ways to prepare for courtroom technology failure.

Ask whether the court would like a member of its staff to review the setup. Court personnel can confirm that the computers, monitors, projector, ELMO, speakers and wiring are positioned where the court permits. When appropriate, demonstrate that the presentation system and its backup path are functioning properly before trial begins.

The courtroom walkthrough helps identify equipment, placement, wiring or compatibility problems while there is still time to correct them.

Follow the judge’s procedures governing equipment connections and the display of materials.

Preparation should make the changeover almost invisible. The jury should remember the evidence—not the equipment failure.

Remember—you are the storyteller.

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Learn More

• Trial & Deposition Technologies
• Mastering Courtroom Presentations with TrialDirector
• Mastering Trial Presentation with TrialPad: A Deep Dive into the LIT SUITE
• Don’t Overlook the Elmo: The Mighty Miniature Every Trial Tech Needs
• How Teaching Trial Technology Transformed a Generation of Trial Lawyers at Temple’s LL.M. in Trial Advocacy