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| The Interactive Courtroom | CD-ROMs Training |
| The Practising Law Institute (PLI) is one
of a handful of companies producing legal CD-ROMs that take advantage of the discs'
multimedia capabilities. These titles offer the usual information enhan-cements typical of
text-based CD-ROMs, along with some very nice value-added multimedia characteristics. PLI produces seven CLE titles on CD-ROM. All incorporate audio and video, as well as reference to sections of relevant rules and codes. I installed Direct Examination, and discovered it was an excellent way to learn about the topic in an interesting and interactive fashion. When you launch Direct Examination, a judge introduces you to the case, and a tutorial briefly explains how the CD functions. The screen is divided into four parts: three areas contain a person's picture, and the bottom portion of the screen. The top three screens depict most of the action, with a Judge in one; Howard Weitzman, the author of Weitzman on Tactics, in another; and examining counsel in the third. The control features of the CD are located in the lower portion of the screen. The corners contain pointing arrows, used for fast-forwarding or rewinding the active video. The water pitcher can be clicked on to pause proceedings. And the Objection pad can be clicked whenever the examining counsel says something to which you wish to object. The judge, in the upper left corner of the screen, presides over the trial. For example, if you object you will be asked to select your objection from the pull-down menu in the upper left of the screen. If your objection is based on the direct evidence rule being violated, the judge will rule on your objection. He will quote the reasoning behind his ruling on the Objection pad on the desk in front of you. The Weitzman window can be used anytime throughout the proceedings to learn more about the trial in general, and direct examination in particular. If soon after the examining attorney begins her presentation you click on Weitzman, the judge's video is replaced by Weitzman's, who begins explaining in detail about trial introductions. When you install this CD you are prompted to identify whether or not your case is state or federal, and--if state--which jurisdiction. The subsequent rules are then tailored to your jurisdiction. Best of all is that in some states, you can receive CLE credits for viewing this CD. PLI suggests you contact your state or local bar, or call the company. This is an entertaining way to both learn about the law, and potentially obtain CLE credits. |
Practising Law
Institute (800) 373-1829 Windows 3.1, 95, NT $295 per title (standalone version) Reviewed by Cary Griffith, President, The Electronic Book Company, Apple Valley, Minn. |
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