The Bankruptcy Court offers the following technologies for use in several of our locations. If you are interested in using any of these technologies, please review the presiding Judge's Procedures page for information regarding notification. If you would like to preview your presentation or test your equipment prior to your scheduled hearing, please contact the courtroom clerk for scheduling. This is especially important if you have never used the equipment before.
Assisted Listening
Assisted listening headsets are available for use by those with hearing impairments and are available in Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott Valley. See the courtroom clerk upon entering the courtroom, to request a headset. If you will require multiple headsets for a hearing, it is recommended that you contact the courtroom clerk prior to your hearing date.
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Electronic Case Information
Electronic Case Information is available via telephone, the Internet, or from the public services computers located in the Clerk's offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
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Evidence Presentation
Full evidence presentation systems are available in Phoenix and Tucson. These systems enable the judge or attorneys to display case documents and exhibits on courtroom monitors. Large courtroom monitors allow the public to follow the proceedings. Smaller monitors are located at the judge, witness, jury, lectern and attorney tables.
The evidence presentation systems include a document camera used to display documents and three-dimensional objects and a VCR for playback of video tapes; both are located within the lectern. Touch screen monitors at the lectern and witness bench allow an attorney or witness to annotate evidence displayed on courtroom monitors. Integrated video and audio inputs are also available to allow attorneys to display evidence from audiotape, videotape, CD-ROM, DVD or laptop computer via the courtroom monitors and sound system.
When preparing your presentation, we recommend selecting landscape (horizontal) page format. This format fits the document camera and monitors the best. Use simple fonts and avoid fonts that are difficult to read. Use a font size of 20 point or greater and maintain at least a 1/2 inch border all around. Select bright, bold colors that contrast well with light backgrounds. You should also provide copies of your handouts to all parties, before the hearing.
When using the document camera, you can avoid constantly re-aligning and re-focusing by following these guidelines. Staple pages together and tape the bottom page to the document camera. Zoom, rotate and focus using the first page, then simply turn the following pages when ready. If you experience a bleed-through of print from other pages, just insert a blank piece of paper between each page.
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Kiosks
Kiosk systems are available in Phoenix and Tucson, which display current court calendars for each judge. In Phoenix they are located on the 1st floor and in the waiting areas outside of each courtroom. In Tucson they are currently located on the 4th floor and in the Clerk's office on the 2nd floor.
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Teleconferencing
Teleconferencing permits off-site witnesses and attorneys to participate in a hearing by telephone and is available at all locations. Since the audio is broadcast over the courtroom sound system, it is recommended that you mute your telephone until your case is called. Use of cell phones and speaker phones should also be avoided due to poorer audio quality seen with these devices. Telephonic hearings must be coordinated in advance with the courtroom clerk for the presiding judge.
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Video-Teleconferencing
Video-teleconferencing permits off-site witnesses and attorneys to participate in a trial or hearing by video and accommodates proceedings without the participating judge and attorneys physically present. These systems are available in all locations and can interconnect, via ISDN, with video systems external to the court. IP based calls can be accommodated through a bridging service, at the expense of the requesting party, unless other arrangements have been made with the court. Any external video-teleconference system will need to be tested with the court's system prior to the date of the hearing. Video-teleconferencing hearings must be coordinated in advance with the courtroom clerk for the presiding judge.
When appearing by video, avoid wearing small, busy patterns which are difficult for the cameras to focus on. Solid vibrant or pastel colors send a clearer picture. Also, avoid ornate and flashy jewelry that may reflect light. If you are not appearing from one of our locations, check the lighting at your site and close any window shades to reduce any glare that may be picked up by your cameras.
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Internet Access
Wired and wireless internet access is available at no cost in Phoenix. This system was installed as part of a joint agreement between the Arizona State Bar, Bankruptcy Section and the court. Wireless service is available on the first floor. For best reception, you should have your laptop computer in close proximity to the US Trustee's hearing rooms. Wired access is also available from the attorney conference rooms located on the 6th and 7th floors, use the jacks labeled "Internet." Internet access is not available in any courtroom. If you need access to information on the internet, please see the courtroom clerk.
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