Ex. 68 Read the text and complete the statements below by choosing the answer which you think fits best.

Courtroom Technology

In the modern courtroom, technology plays an important part in facilitating the trial process. Evidence presentation now includes computers, audio/video devices, video conferencing, televisions, electronic data storage, and viewing monitors. Courts recognize that having an efficient evidence presentation system is essential in order to disseminate information quickly, maintain accurate record, and reduce trial time.

Videoconferencing is now fully integrated into the daily operations of more than 200 federal courts and is especially useful when attorneys or parties in a case are spread out over two or more distant cities. In the District of Montana United States Bankruptcy Court, videoconferencing is used for all types of proceedings, from uncontested matters to full-blown trials. Montana is also using multi-point conferencing for cases that involve parties in three or more cities. In the bankruptcy court for Idaho, for example, videoconferencing technology may be used to conduct detention hearings, or to hear motions arguments or witness testimony.

There have been trials in recent years that have been publicized on television, resulting in greater public awareness of the trial itself and those involved. The evidence presented has included video tape, recorded conversations, computer files, and internet sites. Although this may seem routine now, courtroom technology has been rapidly evolving to stay in step with the court's needs and to allow public access to court proceedings when deemed permissible.

1. Technology in the courtroom

1. serves as evidence in trials.

2. saves time for the courts.

3. is used to make TV programmes about trials.

4. is criticised by the courts.

Videoconferencing can be used

1. to maintain contact with lawyers from other cities.

2. to detain suspects.

3. only in bankruptcy cases.

4. only in exceptional circumstances.

3. The information about court proceedings

1. can always be obtained through television and internet sites.

2. may be harmful for people involved in them.

3. is recorded on video tape.

4. may not be revealed in certain cases.

Ex. 69 Look at the title of the following text. Do you think that serving on a jury is more of a privilege or responsibility? What meaning does it have for an individual and for the state?

Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

Jury service is a u.S.A. Privilege, responsibility

The September 11 attacks on our country make more meaningful some of the privileges that many citizens take for granted, such as jury service, according to the Hon. Stephen C. Mathers, a circuit judge in Galesburg and president of the Illinois Judges Association (IJA).

"The right to a trial by jury is guaranteed to every person in the United States, whether a citizen or not," says Judge Mathers. "As people look for ways to help in the wake of the attacks on the U.S., performing basic duties, such as jury service, can take on added meaning as an essential part of our democracy and the administration of justice."

"In the past, receiving a jury summons often was viewed as an inconvenience, but in reality, many citizens find jury service to be a learning process and a rewarding experience," he states. "Now, more than ever, they recognize it as a civic responsibility."

In some way, jury duty is as important to citizenship as voting – maybe more so, according to Judge Mathers. "Certainly, a citizen has more influence and power when serving as a juror than as a voter," he states. "It is in the jury room where citizens get to actually influence the system to work toward our highest commonly held political values – the values that we pledge to when we pledge allegiance to the flag."

A person cannot volunteer to serve on a jury. That privilege is available only when he or she receives a summons. For those who do receive a summons, the IJA offers the following information.

• You must be a citizen of the U.S., 18 or older, understand English, and have no disability that would prevent you from actually attending the trial and listening to the evidence.

• When you receive a summons, you must go to the specified courthouse on the date indicated and wait to be called. If you cannot be present on the day the notice says you should appear, contact the courthouse or phone number on the summons. Another date probably will be scheduled. If you fail to appear, you could be fined, face imprisonment, or both.

• No one is automatically excused from jury duty, but you can be excused if you have valid reasons, such as a vested interest in the case to be heard or a bias that would prevent you from deciding the case fairly.

• Jurors are paid a small amount, usually less than $2 per day for their service. Employers are not required to pay you while you are on jury duty, but many do. An employer, however, cannot terminate or otherwise penalize you for participating in a jury summons or being accepted as a juror.

"There are two types of trials which require the service of a jury," says Judge Mathers. In a criminal trial, a jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. In a civil trial, a jury decides whether the defendant is liable, and if so, the amount of damages to award the plaintiff. A jury hears the evidence and decides what should happen based on the evidence presented. Great amounts of money, or even life or death can be at stake," he says. "It is an extremely important responsibility."