What technology do judges use?
Asked by: Prof. Rigoberto Quigley | Last update: January 30, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (39 votes)
Judges utilize a wide range of technologies, from basic courtroom audio-visual equipment to advanced digital evidence management systems and emerging artificial intelligence tools. While federal courts were early adopters, many state and local jurisdictions now use "high-tech" courtrooms equipped with digital tools designed to improve efficiency, speed up proceedings, and enhance evidence presentation.
What technology is used in courtrooms?
In general, each courtroom is equipped with a conference telephone, assisted-listening devices, document camera, Wi-Fi Internet Access, PCs for digital evidence presentation, and a large screen TV with VGA and HDMI connections.
What tool does a judge use?
That's a gavel. Judges aren't the only ones who use gavels. They are common in governments large and small, where they are used to bring order to the often unruly rooms where government happens. But they are also a sign of who's in charge.
What type of technology do lawyers use?
Word processors. As a lawyer, a word processor is a necessity for drafting documents and letters. But, to take your document and letter drafting up a notch, we recommend using a cloud-based word processor that lets you work and access your legal documents remotely.
What kind of system is used in choosing a judge?
There are three main methods by which judges are selected around the world: appointment, competitive exam, and election. Different methods may be used at different levels. Trial court judges may be selected by examination, for instance, while supreme court and constitutional court justices are appointed.
Can Judges Use AI Tools in Court Proceedings? - Justice System Explained
Is becoming a judge harder than a lawyer?
Yes, becoming a judge is generally much harder than becoming a lawyer because it requires years of successful legal practice, navigating political hurdles (election or appointment), and facing intense competition for a limited number of spots, whereas becoming a lawyer primarily requires law school and passing the bar exam, making the path to judgeship a significantly more difficult, specialized, and selective career progression.
What do judges use to make their decisions?
Although the courts' role is interpretive, judges and justices are still constrained by the facts of the case, the Constitution, the relevant laws, and the courts' own precedent.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
What is the B word for lawyer?
The "B word" for a lawyer, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries, is Barrister, which refers to a specialist lawyer who argues cases in higher courts, distinct from a solicitor, though other terms like Attorney, Counsel, or even the pejorative "ambulance chaser" can be used, while "Esquire" (Esq.) is a title for any licensed lawyer in the U.S.
How old is the youngest lawyer?
The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
What not to say to a judge in court?
You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.
What does a judge use to hit the desk?
A gavel is a small ceremonial mallet/hammer commonly made of hardwood, typically fashioned with a handle. It can be used to call for attention or to punctuate rulings and proclamations and is a symbol of the authority and right to act officially in the capacity of a presiding officer.
Do judges carry weapons?
Federal laws do not specifically authorize the carrying of firearms by any federal judges and, in modern times at least, we know of no proposal that the carriage of arms be considered a normal element of federal judicial office.
What computers do lawyers use?
You need to be able to get work done and access your client files no matter where you are. Many lawyers use a laptop or full-featured Windows tablet like the Surface Pro as their primary computer. Others have a desktop at the office and an ultralight laptop, Surface, or iPad Pro for everywhere else.
Are courts using AI?
The rise of AI in courts
courts are actively testing AI tools for legal research, document review, and case management. of court leaders say they need more AI governance guidelines before adopting AI in court operations.
What technology is used in criminal justice?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) and video analytics can assist in monitoring public areas, as well as provide evidence for investigations. Studies suggest that targeted surveillance can reduce certain property crimes. Facial recognition software allows agencies to match individuals to criminal databases.
What is slang for a lawyer?
Common slang for lawyers includes derogatory terms like shyster, mouthpiece, ambulance chaser, and pettifogger, while more neutral or positive colloquialisms are legal eagle, counsel, or simply attorney. These terms can range from deeply insulting to familiar, depending on context and tone.
What is a new lawyer called?
In most law firms, as a new lawyer, you would be called an "associate." After some significant period of time, you would be eligible to become a "partner" in the law firm. Generally speaking, partners have an ownership interest in the law firm and collectively they act to manage the law firm.
What is the word for a female lawyer?
Women in law describes the role played by women in the legal profession and related occupations, which includes lawyers (also called barristers, advocates, solicitors, attorneys or legal counselors), paralegals, prosecutors (also called District Attorneys or Crown Prosecutors), judges, legal scholars (including ...
Which lawyer is the richest?
There isn't one single "richest lawyer" as wealth fluctuates, but top contenders include Peter Angelos (personal injury, Baltimore Orioles owner) and John Morgan (personal injury firm founder) in the U.S., while globally figures like Wichai Thongtang (Thai corporate/investor) also rank high, with many building wealth through investments beyond just legal practice, like late Charlie Munger (Berkshire Hathaway, legal background) and Judge Judy (TV fame).
Is law going to be replaced by AI?
No, AI won't fully take over law but will fundamentally transform it by automating routine tasks, increasing efficiency, and augmenting lawyers, making tech-savvy lawyers more valuable, while lawyers who don't adapt risk being left behind; AI handles data analysis, contract review, and research, but human judgment, contextual understanding, and complex argumentation remain essential for client counsel and strategic decision-making, shifting the focus to higher-value work and potentially changing billing models.
How difficult is law school?
Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.
What not to tell a judge?
You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.
Who has more power than a judge?
While judges hold significant authority in court, others wield different forms of power, including Legislators (Congress) who make laws judges interpret, the President who enforces them and appoints judges, Prosecutors (DAs) who heavily influence case outcomes through charging decisions, and even Juries who determine facts, all operating within a system of checks and balances where power is distributed, not absolute.
What do judges want to hear?
At the end of the day, a judge wants to hear three things: accountability, responsibility, and remorse. They also want to hear your reasoning.