News from the Court

Chief Judge miller

Of the many lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most significant and enduring has been the importance of using technology wisely to provide timely and efficient access to the courts. I am pleased to say that the First Judicial Circuit is continuing to build on the technological progress we have made in the last few years. Our circuit will soon become the first in Florida to implement a cloud-based digital evidence management system. This new program will ultimately make the sharing, presentation, and maintenance of evidence easier for the court, partner agencies, legal community, and pro se litigants.

A cloud-based digital evidence management system provides an online solution for the standard submission, management, and storage of exhibits in trial courts. This system also provides sharing and presentation of evidence between the parties, both in the courtroom and in remote hearings, saving significant time and money. It is hoped this transformation will allow us to avoid many of the limitations typically associated with conventional methods of handling evidence, such as e-mail and physical paper. Other states, including Arizona, Texas, California, New Hampshire, and Indiana, are already embracing this technology with great success.

Like our well-utilized Florida Courts

E-Filing Portal, this new system will provide a convenient, 24/7 online hub to upload, review, and manage exhibits among judges, attorneys, clerks, and pro se litigants. Everyone associated with a case will be able to organize, share, and present all types of evidence, including PDF and Word documents, audio, video, and photographs, in one secure and accessible location. Access to the system will be invitation-only and permission-based.

The current practice of printing voluminous documents, physically delivering them, and then re-scanning the hard copies into electronic form, is laborious, and a reality for attorneys and clerks in the First Judicial Circuit. With the introduction of the new system, this cumbersome procedure can be replaced with a straightforward upload of materials, simplifying the management of evidence, and turning it into an efficient paperless process. This initiative also complements our recent transition to Zoom remote hearings and promises to offer significant advantages to pro se litigants. With just a smartphone, self-represented individuals will be able to upload documents, text messages, pictures, and videos in a uniform manner and eliminate the need for a computer and scanner or for hand delivering or emailing exhibits to the court or the opposing side. We are mindful that this is a sizeable transition, both for the court and our partners. Therefore, we plan to implement this system gradually and thoughtfully, starting with a pilot program for Escambia family law cases in July 2023. We will then extend the family law digital process to Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, before eventually incorporating more case types. Civil cases will likely be the next step.

In the end, we hope to establish a uniform standard for submitting proposed exhibits across the First Judicial Circuit and improve the overall efficiency of the court system. In the coming months, we will provide training via live Zoom sessions, supplemented by online videos and documentation, and I urge you to include your office staff and paralegals in this training, as their support is vital for a successful transition to digital evidence. Additional information and training dates will be communicated through the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association.

I truly appreciate your cooperation during this transformative phase and eagerly anticipate a judicial process that is more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly for all parties involved. As always, I welcome your comments and input on this project, as well as any other, and wish you all a safe and pleasant summer.