Attorney’s Manual for
Courtroom Technology
U. S. District Court
Western District of Oklahoma
Updated 4/2026
Overview
The U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma launched a program several years
ago to provide state-of-the art technology for evidence presentation in the courtroom. A
key goal was to provide systems that are sophisticated, user-friendly, and flexible. The
result of this effort is a choice of evidence presentation technologies to satisfy the
different requirements attorneys may have.
This guide is a general overview of the courtroom equipment, containing some basic
orientation and instructions. For more detailed information and instructions, the Clerk’s
Office staff will be happy to assist you.
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Courtrooms 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 401, 501 and 502
These courtrooms offer the latest video display technology available in the courthouse.
The technology implemented in these courtrooms allows attorneys to display evidence
using computers, tablets, or other electronic devices. A document camera is also
provided for display of physical evidence.
There are device connections at both counsel tables, at two litigant assistant locations, at
the podium, at the witness box, and under both the judge’s and deputy’s benches.
There are touch panels for the presentation display system
controlled by the judge and / or courtroom deputy. These
panels operate both the audio and video systems – they
interface with the control center of the entire system.
In addition, there is a smaller touch panel located on the AV cart, which
allows control of the sources attached to the podium and counsel tables.
This is the touch panel primarily dealt with in this manual.
Inputs
Each counsel table, and a cart near the podium have
inputs for electronic devices – All courtrooms accept HDMI
input sources. Courtrooms 301, 302, 303, 401, and 501
also have connections for USB-C devices. All connections
are located in a panel on top of each table. To use, simply
pull the desired cable out to connect to the computer.
When finished, push the button inside the panel next to
the cable to retract the cable back into the panel. Note:
only one input at a time should be connected at each table.
These panels also provide AC power and USB power for powering and charging
devices.
Courtroom 301 has two litigant assistant tables that have these connection panels
installed on the top surface of the table. The other courtrooms have connections for
litigant assistants available in floor boxes located near the back of the well area of the
courtroom. In these courtrooms, the Clerk’s Office staff will provide an input box which
will contain the device connections.
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A/V Cart
Next to the podium is an A/V cart. On top of the cart is a document camera, touch panel,
input panel, and annotation monitor.
The courtroom deputy will assist with the setup of the equipment, and the placement of
the podium.
In most cases, the equipment in the courtroom will be powered on and ready to use
before a court proceeding. The following page should be displayed:
The buttons on the top of this page allow selection of evidence to display from any of the
following locations:
Left attorney table
Left litigant assistant location
Right attorney table
Right litigant assistant location
(Left/Right is as facing the bench)
Document camera
AV inputs on top of the AV cart
The buttons on the bottom include volume control (for evidence volume only) and a Clear
Annotation button that will remove any markings made using the annotation monitors.
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The Document Camera
The document camera allows any item that is placed on its
display surface to be viewed on the courtroom monitors. You can
use the document camera to display virtually anything: 3-D
objects, transparent sheets, slides, and opaque presentation
materials. This document camera projects a clear image of
evidence so that all counsel, the witness, and the jury have the
same perspective of the exhibit.
When Document Camera is selected on the touch panel, a set of
controls appears for control of the document camera:
Annotation
The courtrooms are equipped with three 24” touch screen LCD
panels, one at the witness stand, one on the A/V cart, and one at
the judge’s bench. These are used for annotating the evidence
being presented. At each location, witnesses, judge, or counsel
can “draw” on the image being displayed on the courtroom
monitors by simply touching the monitor with a finger.
Touching this button in the upper right corner of these monitors
brings up a menu which allows control of line styles, colors, and other
tools used while annotating.
Freehand — Select this button to draw freely on the display screen.
Highlighter — Select this button to highlight an area on the screen.
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Color — Select this button to choose the color of any drawing function (fill or outline), text, or
pointer color. On selection, a secondary palette opens with 16 color swatches. Select a color as
desired. The active function now uses the selected color.
Size — Select this button to adjust size of text and/or line weight (not linked), after selecting a
drawing or text function, such as line, rectangle, or text. A secondary palette opens displaying
either line weight or text point size depending on the active function. From the secondary palette, select
the desired size button. Functions this applies to are Text, Line, Arrow, Freehand, Highlighter, Arrows,
Rectangle, Ellipse, and Eraser.
Pointer — Selecting this button changes the cursor to an extra-large arrow of the currently
selected color.
Spotlight — Select this to create an ellipse to focus on a specific area of the screen, while the
outer area brightness is greatly reduced. The shape and size of the ellipse is adjustable by
dragging the cursor while outside of it, to any point. The ellipse can be moved to any point by dragging the
cursor while within the ellipse.
Ellipse — Selecting this button allows the user to create an ellipse between the primary and the
opposite corners of a non-drawn rectangle.
Arrow — Selecting this button allows the user to create a straight line between two points with an
arrow at the end point.
Undo — Selecting this allows the user to undo the last 15 Completed annotations or undo a Clear
action.
Redo — If selected while using the Undo function, it recreates the last undone annotation.
Clear — Selecting this clears the screen of all unsaved annotations, and can be undone with the
Undo function.
Eraser — Select this to erase any non-saved annotations on the screen.
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Display Devices
In addition to the annotation monitors listed above, these courtrooms* are equipped with
eight individual 24” LCD monitors for the jury, as well as large LCD’s for the gallery. 24”
LCD monitors are also provided for each of the counsel tables, litigant assistant tables,
and the deputy / court reporter.
* Courtroom 401 does not have individual monitors in the jury box, but rather large
monitors for the jury to view.
These courtrooms have the capability for a ‘split screen’ view for the jury monitors that can
show both the evidence being presented, along with a live camera shot of the witness.
Microphones
Attorney Locations
On the base of these desk microphones there is a privacy mute button.
Press and hold this mute button with your finger to mute this microphone in
all speakers and all recording devices. This is the only fully private mode. If
the green light on the base of the microphone is lit, your voice could be
picked up by the sound and/or recording systems.
Wireless handheld or lapel microphones are also available for use.
Infrared System
(Dual Channel Headset Receiver)
Courtrooms are equipped with IR transmitters and receivers used for both
the hearing impaired and foreign language interpreting. This is a two-
channel system:
Channel 1 broadcasts the proceedings for the hearing impaired;
Channel 2 broadcasts the language interpretation
Transmitters are mounted on the walls behind the bench. The transmitter sends audio
signals to the receivers using infrared technology.
A neck-loop is provided which transmits the signal from the receiver to T-Coil equipped
hearing aids. Headphones are provided for those without T-Coil equipped hearing aids.
The courtroom deputy will set up and coordinate the use of the equipment.
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Courtroom 503
This courtroom is similar to the others, however ONLY HDMI connections are available
for connecting devices to the system.
There are HDMI connections at both counsel tables.
There are touch panels for the presentation display system controlled by the judge and /
or courtroom deputy. These panels operate both the audio and video systems – they
interface with the control center of the entire system.
In addition, there is a smaller touch panel located on the AV
cart, which allows control of the sources attached to the
podium and counsel tables. This is the touch panel primarily
dealt with in this manual.
A/V Cart
Next to the podium is an A/V cart. On top of the cart is a document
camera, touch panel, input panel, and annotation monitor.
The courtroom deputy will assist with the setup of the equipment, and the
placement of the podium.
In most cases, the equipment in the courtroom will be powered on and ready to use
before a court proceeding. The following page should be displayed:
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The buttons on the top of this page allow selection of evidence to display from any of the
following locations:
Left attorney table
Right attorney table
Document camera
The buttons on the bottom include volume control (for evidence volume only) and a Clear
Annotation button that will remove any markings made using the annotation monitors.
The Document Camera
The document camera allows any item that is placed on its
display surface to be viewed on the courtroom monitors. You can
use the document camera to display virtually anything: 3-D
objects, transparent sheets, slides, and opaque presentation
materials. This document camera projects a clear image of
evidence so that all counsel, the witness, and the jury have the
same perspective of the exhibit.
When Document Camera is selected on the touch panel, a set of
controls appears for control of the document camera:
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Annotation
The courtroom is equipped with two 24” touch screen LCD
panels, one at the witness stand, and one on the A/V cart.
These are used for annotating the evidence being presented.
At each location, witness or counsel can “draw” on the image
being displayed on the courtroom monitors by simply touching
the monitor with a finger.
Touching this button in the upper right corner of these monitors brings
up a menu which allows control of line styles, colors, and other tools used
while annotating.
Freehand — Select this button to draw freely on the display screen.
Highlighter — Select this button to highlight an area on the screen
Color — Select this button to choose the color of any drawing function (fill or
outline), text, or pointer color. On selection, a secondary palette opens with 16
color swatches. Select a color as desired. The active function now uses the
selected color.
Size — Select this button to adjust size of text and/or line weight (not linked), after selecting a
drawing or text function, such as line, rectangle, or text. A secondary palette opens displaying
either line weight or text point size depending on the active function. From the secondary palette, select
the desired size button. Functions this applies to are Text, Line, Arrow, Freehand, Highlighter, Arrows,
Rectangle, Ellipse, and Eraser.
Pointer — Selecting this button changes the cursor to an extra-large arrow of the currently
selected color.
Spotlight — Select this to create an ellipse to focus on a specific area of the screen, while the
outer area brightness is greatly reduced. The shape and size of the ellipse is adjustable by
dragging the cursor while outside of it, to any point. The ellipse can be moved to any point by dragging the
cursor while within the ellipse.
Ellipse — Selecting this button allows the user to create an ellipse between the primary and the
opposite corners of a non-drawn rectangle.
Arrow — Selecting this button allows the user to create a straight line between two points with an
arrow at the end point.
Undo — Selecting this allows the user to undo the last 15 Completed annotations or undo a Clear
action.
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Redo — If selected while using the Undo function, it recreates the last undone annotation.
Clear — Selecting this clears the screen of all unsaved annotations, and can be undone with the
Undo function.
Eraser — Select this to erase any non-saved annotations on the screen.
Display Devices
In addition to these annotation monitors, this courtroom is equipped with 2 large LCD
monitors for the jury / gallery. 24” LCD monitors are also provided for each of the counsel
tables, the judge, and the deputy / court reporter.
Microphones
Attorney Locations
On the base of these desk microphones there is a privacy mute button.
Press and hold this mute button with your finger to mute this microphone in
all speakers and all recording devices. This is the only fully private mode. If
the green light on the base of the microphone is lit, your voice could be
picked up by the sound and/or recording systems.
Wireless handheld or lapel microphones are also available for use.
Connecting a device in the courtroom:
Your device can be connected at either of the counsel tables, or at
the A/V cart. Please ask the courtroom deputy for assistance
regarding any specific needs.
Note: Attorneys are responsible for providing any adapters needed to
interface presentation devices with inputs available in the courtrooms.
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Magistrate Courtrooms 101, 102, 103, and 201
These courtrooms offer a single HDMI input at the podium location for connection of
devices. Please consult with the courtroom deputy for connection of equipment to the
courtroom system.
Display Devices
These courtrooms are equipped with a single large LCD monitor for display. 24” LCD
monitors are also provided for each of the counsel tables, the judge, and the courtroom
deputy.
Microphones
Attorney Locations
On the base of these desk microphones there is a privacy mute button.
Press and hold this mute button with your finger to mute this microphone in
all speakers and all recording devices. This is the only fully private mode. If
the green light on the base of the microphone is lit, your voice could be
picked up by the sound and/or recording systems.
Wireless handheld or lapel microphones are also available for use.
Infrared System
(Dual Channel Headset Receiver)
Courtrooms are equipped with IR transmitters and receivers used for both
the hearing impaired and foreign language interpreting. This is a two-
channel system:
Channel 1 broadcasts the proceedings for the hearing impaired;
Channel 2 broadcasts the language interpretation
Transmitters are mounted on the walls behind the bench. The transmitter sends audio
signals to the receivers using infrared technology.
A neck-loop is provided which transmits the signal from the receiver to T-Coil equipped
hearing aids. Headphones are provided for those without T-Coil equipped hearing aids.
The courtroom deputy will set up and coordinate the use of the equipment.
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