Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS)

About JERS

The Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS) allows jurors to review evidence (documentary, photo, or video exhibits) on a large monitor using a mouse or touch screen during their deliberations. By using JERS, jurors can jointly view evidence multiple times, rewind videos, use a zoom feature, or review jury instructions.

Use of JERS in the District of New Hampshire

The use of JERS in this district is governed by LR 83.16. In short, the parties will indicate their respective positions regarding the use of JERS as follows:

  • Civil Cases: In the final pretrial statement pursuant to LR 16.2(a)(6) and, if necessary by motion filed pursuant to LR 16.2(b)(6).
  • Criminal Cases: In a notice and, if necessary by motion, filed within 7 days of the jury selection date pursuant to LCrR 16.1(h).

If the court determines JERS should be used for a jury trial, LR 83.16(b) requires the parties to submit their exhibits in electronic format at the same time they submit their paper exhibits, which in a civil case will be on or before seven (7) days prior to jury selection (LR 83.14(a)) and, in a criminal case, one (1) day before the start of evidence (LCrR 16.1(g)).

For more information, please see our answers to frequently asked questions about JERS.

How to Submit Electronic Exhibit Files

Electronic evidence files should be provided on a Data Storage Device, such as USB drive, DVD, or CD. The Data Storage Device submitted to the court must be labeled with the case name and submitting party's or attorney's name.  Please note: All exhibits shall be submitted on only one media device (such as: USB, CD, or DVD). Additionally, the Data Storage Device shall shall be formatted (i.e. sanitized) prior to uploading proposed electronic exhibits and shall contain no additional content of any kind.

While exhibit stickers are used for paper/physical exhibits, the electronic exhibits provided for use in JERS should not display the exhibit numbering stickers. The exhibit description used in JERS replaces the use of exhibit stickers on the electronic version of exhibits only. Additionally, for any exhibit that is marked for identification, do not include “(ID)” in the exhibit number or description of the electronic copy submitted for use in JERS.

A copy of the electronic evidence files submitted to the court must be provided to opposing parties pursuant to LR 83.16(b).

All electronic evidence should be submitted using the following formats:

  • Documents and Photographs: .pdf, .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .gif
          Each PDF file may not be larger than 50MB. The size is not limited for other file types.
  • Video and Audio Recordings: .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .mp4, .wma, .wav, .3gpp 

To properly upload electronic exhibits into JERS, it is critical that parties comply with the following required naming convention:

Plaintiff(s)/Government: (Exhibit name(s) begin with numerical characters)
Documents 1_2009Financial Statement.pdf 2_2010 Financial Statement.pdf
Pictures: 3_Picture of Suspect.jpg 3-a_Picture Suspect Close Up.gif
Audio 4_Phone Conversation 1.mp3 4-a_Phone Conversation 2.wav
Video 4-b_Suspect in Store.wmv 4-c_Suspect carryingTV.mpg

 

 

 

 

Defendant(s): (Exhibit name(s) begin with alpha characters)
Documents A_2009Financial Statement.pdf B_2010 Financial Statement.pdf
Pictures C_Picture of Suspect.jpg C-1_Picture Suspect Close Up.gif
Audio D_Phone Conversation 1.mp3 D-1_Phone Conversation 2.wav
Video D-2_Suspect in Store.wmv D-3_Suspect carryingTV.mpg

 

Note:

  • All exhibits shall be described using neutral and non-adversarial terms.

  • The exhibit description field is limited to 200 characters.

  • For any exhibit that is marked for identification, do not include “(ID)” in the exhibit number or description of the JERS copy.

  • While exhibit stickers are used for paper/physical exhibits, the electronic exhibits provided for use in JERS should not display the exhibit numbering stickers.

  • The exhibit description given to the electronic version replaces the use of exhibit stickers.

Physical or Bulky Exhibits

Exhibits that cannot be reduced to electronic format, such as a car bumper or airplane engine, should be identified in and represented by a Notice of Physical Exhibit that is included in the electronic evidence files submitted to the court.

Please contact Laura Michalski (603-225-1496) with any questions regarding JERS.

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