The Nation : Videotape Trials Proposed

In an unprecedented step aimed at reducing the backlog of asbestos-related lawsuits, Philadelphia lawyers and judges proposed that they be allowed to try entire cases on videotape. The system proposed by city Common Pleas Court judges and the Philadelphia Bar Assn. would allow a judge to oversee several cases at once while the juries watch prerecorded testimony and legal arguments on a TV monitor. The proposal is specifically aimed at asbestos personal injury cases, of which there are presently 4,500 cases pending in the courts. Opening and closing statements and the judge’s introductory remarks could be presented live or on videotape. Lawyers’ objections would be resolved before the tape is shown to the jury.