Courtroom AV directly impacts the administration of justice. When a jury can’t clearly hear witness testimony, when evidence displays are too small or poorly positioned, when video arraignment connections fail — these aren’t just technical problems; they’re threats to due process. Courtroom AV systems need to be reliable above all else, intuitive enough for judges and attorneys who aren’t technologists, and flexible enough to handle the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings.
The Penn Group designs and installs courtroom AV systems for county courthouses, federal buildings, and judicial facilities. Here’s what modern courtroom technology includes.
Evidence Presentation
The evidence presentation system is the centerpiece of courtroom AV. Attorneys need to display documents, photographs, video evidence, and digital files to the judge, jury, witness, and gallery — simultaneously and with individual control over what each audience sees. The judge may need to review evidence before it’s shown to the jury (sidebar review). The witness needs to see what they’re being asked about. The gallery needs visibility for public trial proceedings.
A professional evidence system uses displays at the judge’s bench, witness stand, counsel tables, jury box, and gallery. Document cameras at counsel tables capture physical evidence. Annotation capability lets attorneys highlight and mark exhibits in real time. All sources are routed through a presentation switcher that the judge controls — nothing goes to the jury until the judge approves it.
Audio Systems
Courtroom audio needs to capture every word spoken at the bench, witness stand, counsel tables, and podium, and deliver it clearly to the jury box, gallery, and court reporter. Gooseneck microphones at each position, processed through an automatic mixer with feedback elimination, provide the foundation. Hearing assistance (loop or IR systems) ensures ADA compliance for gallery seating.
Interpreter audio systems using wireless channels allow simultaneous interpretation for non-English-speaking participants without disrupting proceedings.
Court Recording and Video Arraignment
Court recording systems capture multi-channel audio and video for the official court record. Video arraignment systems connect judges with defendants at remote detention facilities via secure video conferencing, reducing transportation costs and security risks.
Investment Ranges
A comprehensive courtroom AV system (evidence display, audio, recording, video arraignment) typically ranges from $100,000 to $350,000 per courtroom. Multi-courtroom courthouse projects benefit from shared infrastructure and volume pricing.
Contact The Penn Group to discuss your courthouse technology project.
