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Contact: Steve
Davis, Court Communications Officer, (515) 725-8058
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Judicial Council Committee to Study
Digital Audio Recording
Des Moines, May 7, 2009— Today, the Iowa Judicial Council appointed
a committee to examine the feasibility of using digital audio recording
technology as a method of making the official record of trial court
proceedings. The committee is to assess the "reliability of this technology,
the accuracy of a record made with this technology and the cost of acquiring,
installing, operating and maintaining this technology."
"We understand the state will face
great financial problems next year so we must consider all possible options for
reducing our operating expenses over the long term," Chief Justice Marsha Ternus, who signed the order as Chair of the Judicial
Council, said. "One such option is the use of digital audio recording to make
the official court record. Although our judges presently rely on the capable
support of court reporters, we have a duty to taxpayers to operate the courts
as effectively, efficiently and affordably as possible, which means we must be
open to new methods for conducting court business."
"The work of this committee is only
one step in a careful process to ensure that if any changes are made, we will
have an accurate record of court proceedings and judges will have the courtroom
and clerical assistance they need," Chief Justice Ternus
said. "Consequently, if this committee determines that digital audio recording
technology can reliably and accurately create a record of court proceedings at
an affordable cost, the Judicial Council will then examine, with the full
participation of the trial bench, how judges can be provided the support
personnel needed for a smooth-running courtroom and for the efficient
processing of cases."
The committee will report the
results of its examination to the Judicial Council by January 1, 2010.
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2009
Iowa Supreme Court
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-3952
