Michigan will be the first state to use a cybercourt to litigate cases over the Internet. The plan allows attorneys to file their briefs online, argue cases by teleconference and use streaming video to present evidence. Judges hearing these cases will be trained in the technology.

In his interview with WiredNews.com reporter Julia Scheeres, Scott Draughon emphasized the importance of user technology infrastructure for taking advantage of the Michigan facilities. He also noted that venue disputes in contract negotiations may be less contentious since access will no longer be a factor in judicial process abuse. The cybercourt development follows a long trend of private experiments with applications of technology to judicial processes.

Scheeres's article goes on to explain the cybercourt is part of a strategy to encourage tech firms in Michigan to settle cases. The Michigan Supreme Court plans to determine the rules for the court over the next few months. The nation's first cybercourt should be operating by October.