Judge Plans Smart Technology

By Tracy Neal

Posted: February 3, 2013 at 5 a.m.

Some inmates in the Benton County Jail will soon make a few court appearances without ever leaving jail.

At A Glance

The Rules

According to Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 8.7, use of video conferences in pretrial proceedings:

-If the defendant is confined in a jail, prison or other detention facility, a first appearance as provided in Rules 8.1 and 8.3 or a pretrial release inquiry as provided in Rule 8.4 may be conducted by video conference as provided in this rule.

Source: Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure

At A Glance

Conferencing Criteria

Any video conferencing system used under Arkansas’ Rule 8.7 must meet all the following:

-All participants must be able to see, hear and communicate with each other simultaneously during the proceeding.

-All participants in the proceeding must be able to see and hear any witnesses who may testify.

-All participants must be able to see, hear and otherwise observe any physical evidence or exhibits presented, either by video, facsimile or other method.

Source: Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure

At A Glance

Video Quality

The video quality of the conferencing system must be adequate to allow the participants to observe each other’s demeanor and nonverbal expressions as well as the demeanor and nonverbal expressions of any witnesses in the proceeding.

Source: Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure

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