Government improves court recording equipment

Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons today announced funding for new digital recording equipment for the Provincial and Supreme Courts in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The current court recording equipment is approaching three years beyond useful life," said the minister. "Recording equipment is an essential tool to the court system, it cannot be compromised."

Government approved $700,000 to replace the current analogue recording equipment. The new equipment will provide accurate and complete recordings with simultaneous back-up, reduce transcript production time, provide longer preservation for recordings and offers free playback software to all users.

"We are very pleased that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been able to provide funding to make this major step towards improvement of the equipment necessary for the court to properly perform its functions," said Supreme Court Chief Justice D. Green.

"We at the Provincial Court are very pleased that government has decided to provide funding for digital recording equipment. The arrival of such equipment is very timely as our existing analog equipment is three years beyond its normal shelf life and has become increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain," said Chief Judge M. Reid, Provincial Court. "A proper record of court proceedings is vital to the justice system and this new modern equipment will certainly enhance our ability to provide court users with accurate and timely access to both audio and transcription records."

The Department of Justice plans to have the new equipment up and running by June 2002.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2002 02 22                          2:05 p.m.