In recent articles we’ve detailed how real estate agents in Colorado who use a Mac will no longer be able to access the MLS database. Unfortunately, a similar thing has happened with the rise of CourtLink, formerly known as JusticeLink.
“This system allows lawyers to file cases online in Colorado and some other states,” said Casey Frank, attorney and counselor. “It’s not mandatory — you can still use paper mail — but it offers advantages in speed, convenience and organization.”
Unfortunately, you have to have a Windows-based browser to fully utilize the system. Even though it mostly works with Internet Explorer 5.0, because of the manner in which the Mac keeps track of files, you cannot actually upload your brief or other document with a court, Frank added. You can do everything else, like log on to the system, and check other filings made by Windows users.
“However, when a Mac user goes to file a document with a court, CourtLink sees prohibited characters in your document name where there are none,” Frank said. “It blocks your filing.”
He said he has spent “hours” with Microsoft, Apple, and CourtLink tech support regarding the issue. Apparently, the Mac uses invisible colons in its path names, unlike the slashes in Windows. The slashes are permitted, the colons are not, ergo Mac uses are left out, Frank said.
“What is sad is that it appears to be entirely trivial and gratuitous that it was programmed to be Windows-centric in this way,” he added. “Yes, I access CourtLink through Virtual PC, but yeech.”