Federal Courthouse Annex Equipped with Latest Legal Technology

The historic James M. Ashley and Thomas W. L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse on Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo is currently closed to the public while it undergoes extensive renovations.

The Neoclassical Federal courthouse opened in 1932 and was named after Republican James Ashley, NW Ohio’s congressman from 1859 to 1869, who is credited with writing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, and for his grandson, Democrat, Thomas W. L. “Lud” Ashley, who held Ohio’s 9th District Congressional seat for twelve terms, from 1955 to 1981. When renovations are completed, the historic building will house the district bankruptcy court and offices.

However, the amazing new Federal Courthouse Annex housing the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (OHND) is open. Its modern design and glass walls stand in stark contrast to the classical columns of its next-door neighbor. It is also brimming with the latest courtroom technology.

The Courthouse Annex has electronic kiosks near the entrance that display docket information. That information is also displayed on small digital signs positioned outside each courtroom and the Attorney meeting rooms. The walls of the courtroom may appear to be adorned in wood, but they are actually perforated acoustic panels. The ceilings of each courtroom are also covered in acoustic fabric and feature an impressive array of speakers.

All four of the courtrooms in the new James M. Ashley and Thomas W. L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse Annex are similarly equipped. There are digital display monitors at each counsel table, a wall-mounted gallery monitor, another at the witness stand, and 8 monitors that are built into the jury box, with adjacent speakers. The courtrooms have HDMI connections at the attorney stations for displaying and presenting evidence to the court. USB-C to HDMI adapters are recommended for Apple products. A height-adjustable electric lectern also offers presenting counsel a monitor and HDMI connectivity.

The new presentation system is controlled by the Judge, bailiff, or courtroom staff. The Judge can preview exhibits before displaying them to the parties, gallery, or jury in the courtroom. Evidence for jury deliberations is presented through JERS (Jury Evidence Recording System). Wi-Fi is accessible to all attorneys admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, upon acceptance of the user agreement. IT professionals are available on-site to assist.

The new system is fairly intuitive, even for those less technically experienced, and connectivity should be relatively easy. Before the start of any trial, the court typically issues an order asking
attorneys to contact the Judge’s Bailiff to schedule a visit to the courtroom so attorneys can test their devices and ensure connectivity to their system.

The U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio offers the Jury Evidence Review System (JERS), developed by the Western District of North Carolina, to capture evidence electronically during a trial and to make that evidence accessible in the jury deliberation room. For questions regarding the use of JERS, attorneys should contact their respective Judicial Officer for clarification.

The Electronic Filing Policies and Procedures Manual can be downloaded here, https://www.ohnd.uscourts.gov/sites/ohnd/files/-CivilRules_AppendixB.pdf

Boyk Law’s tour of the Annex was coordinated through Judge Helmick’s Chambers.