The U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico uses the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS) to present evidence electronically to jurors during deliberation.
To find out a which judges are currently requiring parties to submit evidence electronically, please click here to review the judge's individual information page.
How to Submit Electronic Exhibit Files
Electronic evidence files shall be provided on a USB drive, DVD, or CD in an unencrypted format.
Requirements for Exhibit File
All electronic devices must be provided using the following formats:
- Documents and Photographs: .pdf, .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .gif
- Video and Audio Recordings: .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .mp4,.wma, .wav, .3gpp
Regarding the file size of electronic evidence, individual files should not exceed 500MB. If possible, exhibits approaching or exceeding this size limit should be separated into multiple files. NOTE: PDF documents can often be reduced significantly in size by using tools such as Adobe’s “Reduce File Size” feature. Images can be significantly reduced in file size by lowering its resolution or dimensions, usually with minimal affect to viewing quality.
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. One of these two methods must be used.
A. Index File Method
• All files are provided on a single storage device such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive.
• Along with the exhibit files, a text delimited index file named Exhibits.txt is also required.
• The Exhibits.txt file must contain the following "pipe" delimited layout:
Exhibit Number(optional Sub-Part) | Exhibit Description | Exhibit File Name (must match file name on disk).
NOTE: The "pipe" key is located on the keyboard between the backspace and enter key.
Example of Index File Method:
1a | Photograph of inside building | 1A-Photograph of building.jpg
8(b) | Camera footage of robbery | Camera footage.mp4
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 similar 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 of File Naming Method
1-a_Photograph of building.jpg
62_2016 Hotel Bill.pdf
8(b)_Camera footage.mp4
B7_Police Radio.avi
Please contact the Courtroom Deputy assigned to the District Judge if you have questions on the instructions and requirements on submitting evidence via electronic format.