Digital recording of court proceedings will soon be a reality after the Senate approved a law making it all possible yesterday afternoon.

The Evidence Amendment Act was not contentious. Opposition Sen. Mark Pettingill, a lawyer, said it would take Bermuda's court system out of the dark ages and enhance the Island's offerings as an international business centre.

Government Sen. Michael Scott, who introduced the legislation, told Senators that with the passage of the bill, the long awaited system will be in place in the courts soon. But he wouldn't be pinned down on the timing when asked by The Royal Gazette.

"We anticipate - now that the legislation has gone through - having it implemented very shortly," he said. "It's not going to happen tomorrow." The Department of Works and Engineering will have to install the equipment in the courts first, he said. "The money is in the Budget so there will be no delay." It was now up to Works and Engineering to schedule the work. Sen Scott also told Senators that some amendments to other legislation had to be made now that the bill had passed.

And a firm had to be selected to transcribe the recordings, he added.

Sen. Pettingill told the Senate that while he congratulated the Government for bringing the legislation forward, he hoped that it was the first of many amendments that would keep Bermuda in step with technological advances.

"Now that we've come this far, let's not stop here," said Sen. Pettingill.

He called for a standing committee that would meet on a regular basis to review legislation and new technology as it became available.

"With regard to the international business we are trying to attract, it is a must that we are able to offer a service that is top of the line. Just because we are dressed in period costume, we don't need to have a system that works the same way. We really are hundreds of years behind."

He said overseas clients have been "horrified" when they find out that a judge's hand written notes are the official record of a court case.

He added that while there may be glitches as the system was being implemented, the legislation was flexible enough to address problems as they arise.

Once fully installed the system will allow for instant review of evidence given in court. The recordings can also be compressed for transmission over the Internet and downloaded in court onto a lawyer's laptop.