LA Court pilot lets small claims litigants share evidence digitally

The Los Angeles County Superior Court has started a pilot program for sharing evidence digitally between litigants in small claims court. The Digital Evidence System launched Monday in the Compton and Beverly Hills courthouses

"Litigants in small claims cases are required to exchange evidence in advance of their hearing, which they have traditionally done by producing and mailing copies to the opposing side," a court news release said. "While that option remains available, beginning Monday, small claims litigants with matters in the pilot departments may upload and share digital evidence directly within the Digital Evidence System in advance of their hearings."

Small claims litigants can upload evidence in photo, video and document formats, easily assign exhibit numbers and obtain exhibit receipts even if they don't have a home computer, the news release said.

The Digital Evidence System, along with a scanner, will be available at kiosks at the two courthouses.

In an email on Tuesday, Rob Oftring, director of communications and legislative affairs for the court, said the program has been in the works for months.

"The Court has been exploring how to best offer a digital evidence solution and specifically on this pilot for the last few months," he wrote. The system will reduce the need for paper and enable users to participate remotely, he noted.

If the program is successful, Oftring said, there are plans to expand it to other courtrooms throughout the county.

"The court will measure its success with consideration of litigants' and judicial officers' feedback on using the system," he said. "Based on the feedback received, the court will refine the system before expanding the program to serve additional court users and to different litigation types and courthouses."