Seen and heard

Innovation at the new Supreme Court building is not limited to the architecture, engineering and construction the court also features the most advanced digital evidence technology to be implemented in New Zealand. Evidence Technology worked closely with the Ministry of Justice on the multiyear building project to provide a custom-designed audiovisual system.

Manager John Abbott says Evidence Technology's goal was to ensure the court's audiovisual capture and management system was optimised for the physical environment, and for the needs of judges, counsel, court staff and the wider public.

"The system had to be sensitive to heritage values in the Old High Court building while also functioning effectively and reliably within the unusual spherical space of the freestanding main courtroom."

The project included four-channel audio and video capture, with recording from each of the five judges and counsel presenting submissions; advanced sound reinforcement systems utilising digital signal processing and beam-steered arrays to ensure consistent high quality; FTR software for evidence recording and transcription; and video conferencing technology. There are also LCD monitors for each judge to enable replays of evidence; an assisted hearing system; and live audio and video feeds for the media and to public viewing facilities.

"The design helps realise the Ministry's vision of an open, transparent and inclusive justice system," says Abbott.

Evidence Technology

Level 3, 276-278 Lambton Quay, Wellington 60115 Porters Ave, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1024Phone (04) 471 1544 Fax (04) 471 1545www.evidencetechnology.com

Story by: Trendsideas