Technology enables The Times to webcast Lake County courts

INDIANAPOLIS | Changes in technology are partially responsible for The Times winning approval from the Indiana Supreme Court to broadcast trials on nwi.com from three Lake County courtrooms.

Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard said Friday small Web cameras should make it possible for citizens to watch courtroom proceedings from home without affecting the participants in a trial.

"The trick will be to do that in a way that produces better public understanding without unnecessary negative effects on the outcome of the proceedings themselves," Shepard said.

Lake Circuit Court Judge George Paras and Superior Court Judges Calvin Hawkins and John Pera will control the cameras in their courtrooms, and proceedings will be webcast on a two-hour delay to prevent any unauthorized testimony or hearings from being shown.

Shepard said he hopes the 18-month pilot program will give Hoosiers a better understanding of the state's court system.

"People who want to watch what happened in a given proceeding will have a chance to do it whenever they want to do it," Shepard said.

The Times erroneously reported Friday that trials would be recorded only with the consent of the participants.

In fact, trial participants can object, but the decision on whether to record and webcast the proceedings ultimately will be made by one of the three participating judges.