Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS)

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee uses the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS) to capture evidence electronically during a trial. Evidence released to the jury can be played back by the jury in the deliberation room.

The JERS system is currently available in two courtrooms in the Eastern District of Tennessee:


A training session on the use of this equipment can be requested through the courtroom deputy.

Using JERS

How to Submit Electronic Exhibit Files

Electronic evidence files should be provided on a USB drive, DVD, or CD.

Requirements for Exhibit File Types

All electronic evidence should be provided using the following formats:

  • Documents and Photographs: .pdf, .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .gif
  • Video and Audio Recordings: .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .wma, .wav

Exhibit Formatting Instructions for Batch Importing

Exhibit files can be formatted in a manner that permits them to be batch imported into the JERS system. The two methods used are described below:

A. Indexed File Method

  • All files are provided on a single storage device such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive.
  • A text delimited index file named Exhibits.txt is required.
  • The Exhibits.txt file must consist of the following pipe delimited layout: Exhibit Number(optional Sub-Part) | Exhibit Description | Exhibit File Name

B. File Naming Method

  • All files are provided on a single storage device such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive.
  • Using any software or method, exhibit files are renamed using a naming convention simliar to:
    (exhibit number)-(exhibit part)_(exhibit description).(file extension)
  • The use of the "underscore" character is required when an optional description of the exhibit is included and cannot be used elsewhere in the exhibit name.
  • Example listing of valid exhibit file names:
    "1-a_photograph.jpg", "12_2009 Tax Statement.pdf", "35d.pdf", "12(a)_camera footage.wmv"