The Australian judiciary system has made a break for the Internet era and unveiled its first permanent privately Hosted Electronic Arbitration Room.
The Hearing Room, a joint venture between Auscript and Counsel's Chambers Limited, is Australia's first fully networked arbitration room.
Decked out with LAN cabling, sound amplification and audio-visual presentation tools it is also offering the hosting of electronic management software and basic level technical support.
"It's a significant step toward the provision of greater efficiency for the legal and corporate world," Auscript's COO, Malcolm Rodgers, said.
The Hearing Room is able to overcome many of the limitations of traditional courtrooms, according to Rodgers, including "the enormous quantity of paper it often takes to resolve a dispute".
Sub-floor cabling and moveable fixtures offer flexibility in room configuration and The Hearing Room's hardware will host a variety of evidence management software.
With a round figure investment of AU$100,000, clients can hire the room with basic electronic infrastructure thrown in, for a daily fee of AU$1320.
However, the final price tag will fluctuate depending on the extent of additional services required, including Web casting, video conferencing, real-time transcription and internal/external computer chat facilities.
"The system is trying to automate information in the arbitration system," Peter Egri, an Auscript consultant said.
A developing area, electronic evidence management, was used in the recent Thredbo ski disaster coroners inquest, which culminated in 158 hearing days over 18 months "with no down time", Egri said.
As a neighbour to the NSW Supreme Court and fronting onto Phillip Street in the heart of Sydney's legal district - The Hearing Room is the first "permanent" room of its kind.
"The judiciary is supportive in general of alternative dispute resolution," Ian Gzell QC, Council Chambers, said.
"If it's successful, as I'm sure it will be, I suggest that other [electronic arbitration rooms] will follow soon," Gzell added.
