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                                                                     [PP29]
   1.2  Recommended Software for a Trial Judge
   
    A trial judge at a minimum should be supplied with:
   (a)  a current version of a high end, comprehensive word processing
   package such as WordPerfect that includes a spell checker with a legal
   dictionary; capacity to move text easily; merge functions; footnote
   capability and the ability to create an index, outline and table of
   authorities;
   (b)  a data base manager program;
   (c)  a spreadsheet program;
   (d)  legal research software for access to Lexis and/or Westlaw;
   (e)  communications software;
   (f)  note-taking and personal calendar software;
   (g)  utilities software to conduct computer file management, to back
   up data; to restore lost data, and file compression, etc.; and
   (h)  jury instructions for the jurisdication on a data/information
   base.
   
   In addition to the minimum software listed above, certain judges may
   be able to make use of additional programs if they have a
   particularized need and if financial resources are available. These
   programs could include:
   (i)  a graphics program;
   (j)  desktop publishing; and
   (k)  statistical software.
   
   1.3  Recommended Training for Judges and Judicial Personnel
   
   The training time required to learn how to use the computer programs
   is as significant an investment as purchasing the hardware and
   software. Training programs must be established that deal separately
   with the needs of judicial staff and the needs of the judge.
   Training programs must have enough flexibility to provide the basic
   education for judges and judicial staff while enabling those with more
   of an interest to further explore the sophisticated uses of the
   computer.
   

Conclusions and recommendations


From the discussion in the second half of this Chapter, the following
conclusions and recommendations may now be drawn:

   Computing facilities provided to judges for use in chambers, and
   installed in courts, should be capable of multi-purpose use, including
   transmission and display of text, image and video, and preferably
   should support colour displays. Such facilities should be based on
   open operating systems.
   
   Computers provided to judges for use in chambers should be high
   quality microcomputers or workstations capable of running current
   graphical user interface (GUI) based operating systems, and with
   sufficient memory and storage capacity to run simultaneous memory
   intensive applications. Such computers should at least be networked
   to other computers in a Court system.
   
If computers are installed in courts for use of judge, counsel, or solicitors,
the same considerations should apply as for computers installed in judges'
chambers. Security aspects of LAN interconnections require different
considerations.




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