Technology | Clerk of the Distric

Courtroom Technology Overview

In the advent of COVID-19, many challenges faced the court system and court users' access to justice.

Many courts across the state and country moved to remote and hybrid type environments to be able to

continue holding judicial proceedings. The Cheyenne County courts were no different. A real need was

identified, and with the support and team work of our County Commissioners, Sheriff's Office, and court

staff, we were able to build from the ground up a virtual system specific to our needs. While Cheyenne

County was fortunate to be able to continue access to justice with little to no interruption for its users,

many courts across the state were unable to address their technological needs.

The State of Nebraska, in contract with CTI Technologies, looked to address this issue and implemented the Nebraska Standardized Courtroom AV Upgrade project. The goal of the project was to increase consistency between trial courts statewide in audio-visual systems available to use in conducting court, ensure all courts have the best quality audio amplification and capture of the court record to ensure all court participants and observers can hear proceedings, provide all courts with cameras and displays that facilitate fully remote and hybrid hearings, and to ensure all courts have the technology necessary to manage and present digital evidence.

In June of 2023, Cheyenne County District Court received its standardized upgrade. A Memorandum of Understanding allowed for the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation to install and transfer ownership of the equipment to Cheyenne County, NE at no cost to Cheyenne County. We are incredibly fortunate to have the access to technology that we have been able to achieve since 2020. The equipment that was initially obtained to hold remote and hybrid court proceedings in 2020-2021 was repurposed in the Cheyenne County Commissioners' meeting room, as well as the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. This equipment and technology continues to advance Cheyenne County forward into the modern age to better serve its citizens.

Please navigate the tabs on this page to review and understand the available technology in the Cheyenne County District Courtroom.

Available Technology

• Zoom video conferencing with the ability to screen-share evidence with the approval and as

published by the presiding judge

• 2 - ADA approved hearing assistance devices (dedicated amplification to a handheld device with

over-the-ear headphones)

• 3 wall-mounted television screens in the courtroom capable of displaying hybrid/remote hearings as

well as evidence as published by the presiding judge

• 2 wall-mounted television screens in the jury room for the limited purpose of evidentiary review by the

jury as permitted and published by the presiding judge

• Mounted displays on the witness stand and presiding judge's bench to view published evidence and

remote/hybrid hearings

• Elmo Document Camera

• HDMI ports located at each litigants' table as well as the witness bench for the purposes of

displaying evidence through laptops, as published by the presiding judge

• HDMI adaptors to fit most laptops

• Dedicated microphones located at the judge's bench, witness stand, and 2 microphones per litigant

table

• In-room amplification through speakers dedicated to the presiding judge, the court reporter, the

witness bench, the jury box, both litigants' tables, as well as the gallery seating area

• In-room speakers located in the jury room for the limited purpose of evidentiary review by the jury as

permitted and published by the presiding judge

Best Practices for Using Courtroom Technology

Courtroom users and attorneys are encouraged to contact the Clerk of the District Court office to schedule a time to test any technology they wish to use at least 24 hours in advance of their scheduled court proceeding.

Please bring your own laptop and any adaptors to your scheduled test. At your test, we will do our best to test all audio and visual needs to ensure proper function and a identify any issues. While we do have HDMI adaptors available, we are not responsible for ensuring the function of your equipment. We also have laptops available for attorney use in the event of an equipment failure or incompatibility. Please let us know in your scheduling request email what specific types of technology you may be needing so that we can be best prepared for your visit and test.