Fayette County to upgrade courtroom video for trials

Fayette County has authorized funds to add more audiovisual equipment to its Justice Center courtrooms in order to comply with COVID-related distancing requirements for jury trials. The Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on April 8 to approve $25,841.20 as an emergency procurement from contingency funds. The additional camera, TV and video equipment will enable judges, jurors and others in the State and Superior courtrooms to see evidence and Zoom feeds during trials, as well as anyone testifying virtually. The equipment installation will be done by Sound Principles Pro Multi Media Inc. of McDonough.

Current COVID protocols require jurors and others to be physically distanced throughout the courtroom, which can hamper viewing of proceedings. Jury trials were suspended by the state during most of last year, but are due to resume soon while following guidelines from federal and state health departments.

About the Author

Jill Howard Church For the AJC

Homeless camp cleared but memories of man killed there live on

The clearing comes after years of pressure from community stakeholders, including businesses and developers, to shut down a camp that obstructs traffic.

Atlanta attorney, Emory Law grad presumed dead in Texas floods

An Atlanta attorney is among those presumed dead after heavy flooding devastated parts of Central Texas over the July Fourth holiday.

Suspect charged with murder in July 4 carjacking at Cobb apartments

Damaree Baker was arrested Thursday, nearly a week after officials said he fatally shot Cody Chavous while trying to steal his vehicle.

The Latest

Credit: Ben Hendren

Homeless camp cleared but memories of man killed there live on

Atlanta attorney, Emory Law grad presumed dead in Texas floods

Suspect charged with murder in July 4 carjacking at Cobb apartments

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.