The courtroom has always been a bastion of tradition, but even it has not been immune to the steady march of technology. Audio and video recording technology have rapidly become essential tools in court proceedings, providing valuable records and insights. However, the use of such technology is not without ethical implications. This article will explore the ethical dimensions of using audio and video recording technology in courtrooms.

The Emergence of Recording Technology in Courtrooms

A new standard for record-keeping

Traditional methods of court reporting, often involving real-time stenographers, have given way to audio and video recordings. These tools offer a more accurate and complete record of proceedings, capturing what was said and how it was said, which can be crucial in assessing testimony credibility.

The increased demand for transparency

The public has a vested interest in the proceedings of the justice system, and audio and video recordings can facilitate greater transparency. Such records can be used to review the fairness of a trial and ensure accountability.

Ethical Considerations in Using Audio and Video Technology

Right to privacy vs. public interest

While the transparency facilitated by audio and video recordings serves the public interest, it can also infringe on the privacy rights of those involved in the case. The ethical challenge lies in balancing the need for transparency and accountability with the right to privacy.

The risk of manipulation

While audio and video technology can provide accurate records of court proceedings, they are not immune to manipulation. Unscrupulous individuals may attempt to alter recordings, posing a significant ethical concern. The court must ensure that stringent measures are in place to preserve the integrity of these recordings.

Selective recording and biased perspectives

Not all moments of a trial are recorded, and the decision of what to record can unintentionally bias the case. The angles and moments captured by a camera can subtly influence perceptions of events.

Best Practices for Ethical Use of Audio and Video Recording Technology

Developing clear guidelines

Courts must develop clear guidelines on when and how recording technology should be used. These guidelines should balance the need for transparency with the rights of the individuals involved.

Ensuring security and integrity

Courts must have stringent measures to ensure the recordings’ security and integrity. This involves securely storing recordings and implementing protocols to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.

Providing full disclosure

All parties involved in a case should be fully informed about using audio and video recording technology. This includes information on when and how the technology will be used and how the recordings will be stored and accessed.

Our Commitment to Ethical Practices

At Renzi Legal Resources, we understand the importance and sensitivity of audio and video recording technology in courtrooms. We ensure that all our legal videography services adhere to the highest ethical standards. We follow strict protocols to maintain the integrity and security of our recordings, and we are transparent with our clients about our processes.

Conclusion: Navigating the Ethical Terrain of Courtroom Technology

Using audio and video recording technology in courtrooms offers many benefits, including improved accuracy and transparency. However, it also presents ethical challenges. The key to navigating this ethical terrain lies in clear guidelines, stringent security measures, and full disclosure. By adhering to these practices, courts can harness the benefits of this technology while minimizing ethical concerns.

Are you in need of ethical and reliable legal videography services for your court proceedings? Contact Renzi Legal Resources today. Our commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards sets us apart. Trust us to provide accurate, secure, and ethically-sound legal videography services that stand up to scrutiny.

Video conferencing has become commonplace in our increasingly digital world, even in legal proceedings. With video conference court appearances, you can participate in court proceedings from the comfort of your own home or office. This article will provide you with comprehensive guidelines on how to prepare for a video conference court appearance.

Understanding Video Conference Court Appearances

Before we delve into the preparation process, it’s essential to understand what a video conference court appearance entails. These appearances, also known as virtual hearings, involve the use of video technology to conduct a court hearing remotely. They are often used when physical presence in a courtroom is challenging or unnecessary. Video conference court appearances are becoming increasingly common due to their efficiency and the convenience they offer to all parties involved.

Preparing Your Environment

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in preparing for a video conference court appearance is choosing the correct location. This should be a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted. Avoid areas with background noise or distractions, as these can disrupt the proceedings and reflect poorly on you.

Setting Up Your Equipment

Your device, be it a desktop, laptop, or smartphone, should have a reliable internet connection and a functional microphone and camera. Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged into a power source during the hearing. Test your equipment in advance to avoid technical glitches on the day of your court appearance.

Lighting and Camera Positioning

Make sure your face is clearly visible by adjusting the lighting in the room. The light should come from in front of you, not behind. Your camera should be at eye level to simulate direct eye contact with the judge and other participants.

Dress Code and Conduct

Dress Professionally

Even though you are not physically present in the courtroom, you should still dress professionally. This shows respect for the court and makes a positive impression on the judge and other participants.

Maintain Courtroom Decorum

Treat the video conference court appearance as you would an in-person court appearance. This means maintaining proper etiquette, such as standing when the judge enters or leaves and addressing the judge as “Your Honor.”

Technical Aspects of Video Conference Court Appearances

Familiarize Yourself With the Software

Most courts use established video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Familiarize yourself with the software in advance, including its features and functions. Practice muting and unmuting your microphone, switching your camera on and off, and sharing your screen if necessary.

Test the Software

Consider conducting a trial run with a friend or family member to ensure everything runs smoothly. This can help you feel more comfortable with the technology and identify potential issues before the hearing.

Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

A stable and strong internet connection is crucial for a smooth video conference court appearance. Test your connection speed beforehand, and if it’s not up to standard, consider finding an alternative location with a better connection.

Communicating Effectively During the Hearing

Speak Clearly and Concisely

When speaking during the hearing, be clear, concise, and direct. Speak at a moderate pace and volume, ensuring your microphone picks up your voice clearly. Avoid speaking over others and wait your turn to address the court.

Use Appropriate Body Language

Maintain an upright posture and refrain from fidgeting or making unnecessary movements. Your facial expressions should also remain neutral and respectful. Remember, your video feed will be visible to all participants, so your body language is just as important as your verbal communication.

Keep Documents and Evidence Accessible

Ensure that all necessary documents or evidence are easily accessible during the hearing if you need to present these to the court, know how to use the screen-sharing feature on your video conferencing platform.

Managing Technical Difficulties

Despite your best preparations, technical issues can sometimes occur. Remain calm and composed if they do. If you lose connection during the hearing, rejoin as quickly as possible. If the issue persists, contact the court to inform them of the situation. Remember to have a backup plan, such as a different device or location, in case your primary setup fails.

Preparing With Your Attorney

If an attorney represents you, coordinate with them in advance. Discuss your case, the main points to address during the hearing, and the order in which you’ll present them. Your attorney can provide valuable guidance on conducting yourself and what to expect during the hearing.

The Importance of Preparation

Preparing thoroughly for a video conference court appearance can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. It demonstrates your respect for the court and ensures that you can present your case effectively and without unnecessary interruptions. Remember that while the medium may differ, the rules and expectations of court etiquette remain the same. The court expects the same professionalism and respect in a virtual setting as in a physical courtroom. This guide from the U.S. Courts provides additional insights on preparing for video conference court appearances.

Finally, if you need legal advice or assistance in preparing for a video conference court appearance, consider seeking the help of a legal professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and needs.

Have you found this guide helpful? Please share it with someone who might need it, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or need further clarification on any point. Remember, a well-prepared participant is a confident participant. Good luck with your video conference court appearance!

Technology generally makes things easier and cheaper, and things are no different in the legal field. For example, since the COVID-19 pandemic, lawyers have had a massive spike in the use of video depositions. 

Some attorneys prefer to use video testimonies in all their cases due to the time and cost savings. In contrast, others who are more cautious about technology only do videos on the most critical cases.

Regardless of how many times you use video depositions, you will naturally be looking for ways to reduce further the costs involved. 

Ways to Save Money While Using Video Depositions

Whether you videotape all your depositions or only do so on special occasions, you will find that the recording costs can add up pretty quickly if you don’t make efforts to lower them. 

Below are four proven ways to protect your bottom line while still giving your clients the invaluable benefits of video depositions:

Record In-House

Hiring a pro videographer is not necessary in most cases and can quickly run up your costs. With so many video recording options available, it is cheaper and more convenient to record your own videos. 

You only need basic video equipment and good lighting, and you’re ready to go. If you are not well-versed in videography, you can have one of your staff do the recording or even hire an intern anytime you need to record.

However, you will need to ensure your deposition complies with the Federal and State Rules of Civil Procedure, particularly sections about the use of video testimony. It would help if you also had the witness ready to take an oath in court to clear the way for their testimonial to be used as evidence.

Hire Freelance Videographers

Preparing a deposition tape can be overwhelming for anyone who’s not a professional videographer. There are edits and copies to be made, file names to be determined, and storage to be sorted out. Buying good enough equipment to produce clear footage may also be a challenge if you are a small firm.

In such situations, we recommend using freelance videographers. They will not only come with their own quality equipment but will also offer great advice on things like camera angles and lighting. Moreover, they are an on-demand service, so they will not be a constant on your payroll. 

For best results, you may want to work with a freelancer who is well versed with the laws touching on legal videography.

Outsource Some Things

Paying for recording software, editing tools, and video production rooms can leave a big dent in your finances. As such, you don’t need to take this path. 

Instead, look for companies offering all-in-one services and contact them whenever you need to record. 

Luckily, many companies offer fully equipped recording rooms, video hosting, and even videography services, so you won’t have to look for long.

Recover Your Costs

They may help make your work easier, but video depositions benefit the client more. You should not be afraid to recover your costs after the client gets a settlement.

To make things easier, you should initially offer videotaping as an option and only proceed with it if a client wholeheartedly approves.

Are you in need of an experienced court reporter in New Jersey? If so, contact us today!

Although video technology can at times seem like an old-fashioned way to document important events, there are some situations when it is simply best to use video technologies. And for today’s attorneys, this means using video technologies in their depositions and cases.

Attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants discover that video technologies are one of the best methods for recording events, cases, and depositions.

However, not every attorney may have the exact needs and preferences for the different types of video technologies they may use in their cases.

So, what are some of the video technologies legal professionals use?

7 Types of Video Technologies Attorneys Use in Depositions and Cases

Text-Video Synchronization

One of the most popular technologies used these days is text-video synchronization. It allows an attorney to play a video file and a transcript from the same file. This is done by using a player that includes a synchronized subtitles file, which means that you will be able to synchronize all video transcript files with one another correctly.

When using text-video synchronization, it is best to start with the transcript since this is an integral part of the video file. Once you have a well-written transcript, you should add the video file.

Video Depositions

Video depositions are also becoming increasingly popular. This video technology allows you to record, edit and save video for depositions. Unlike text-video synchronization, this technology only focuses on the recording process itself.

The advantage of having video deposition files is that these can be transmitted over the internet. This means you do not have to come to the court or deposition room in person.

However, the videographer who works with you will need to have good camera skills. So make sure the quality of your video deposition is outstanding by choosing someone who has the right skills.

Video Conferencing

One of the most effective video technologies for depositions is video conferencing. However, if you use video conferencing, you must choose a reliable and easy-to-use video conferencing program. For this, many attorneys prefer to use Skype or Go To Meeting.

Apart from depositions, you can also use video conferencing for video-recorded hearings and trials. Attorneys usually use video-recorded hearings and trials to prove that they are organized and can follow court proceedings. It also proves that attorneys are present in court, providing more credibility to your case.

Mobile Video Conferencing

Mobile video conferencing is the latest technology in video deposition. It allows paralegals, legal assistants, and attorneys to record depositions anywhere they go. This is possible through laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Using this technology, your videographer does not need to come to your office or go to the deposition room with you. Instead, they have to attend the deposition and start recording it. They can do this by using a tablet or smartphone while sitting in the back of the room.

However, mobile video conferencing can only be used with a reliable and stable internet connection.

Site Documentation and Inspection

Site documentation and inspection is another valuable video technology that you can use. It allows attorneys to create a virtual tour of a location – something like Google Street View.

This is beneficial for sites that are difficult to access, such as mines and oil rigs. With this technology, attorneys can see the site and study it even if they cannot physically access it.

When using this technology, make sure you hire a highly skilled videographer. Your videographer will need to take several shots from different angles and ensure that all details are correctly captured.

The Use of Video Clips in Court

Using video clips in court can be very useful. There are situations where an attorney might want to show a clip from a movie or other moving pictures.

When showing a clip from a movie in court, you want to make sure it is relevant and necessary. It should also be short and easy to understand. If you cannot show a quick and relevant clip, do not show it because it can only waste the judge’s time.

Day-in-the-Life Videos

A day-in-the-life video is an excellent type of video deposition that you can use. It presents an overview of how a person performs their job.

An attorney can show this video to a jury, judge, and other involved people in the case. For example, if you are helping a client who wants to sue their employer for wrongful termination, you can create a day-in-the-life video showing what the client does on a typical day.

When creating this type of video, hiring an experienced videographer who can do the job well is crucial. In addition, the videographer should have good audio and video skills so that they can capture everything about the day-in-the-life of your client.

Conclusion

When it comes to the different types of video deposition and technologies available, you will need to choose the right one for your case. If you want to find out more about different types of video technologies, then you should contact a reliable and experienced legal videographer. They can provide more details on the different kinds of video deposition technologies available.

Following advancements in technology, remote depositions via video technology have now become reality. Many courts allow the use of video depositions to gather testimonies and witness accounts for civil lawsuits.

The world is visual-oriented, meaning stakeholders in a case are more likely to give video depositions their full attention during court proceedings. If you are a lawyer, turning to video technology when conducting depositions can make the difference between winning and losing a case.

With that said, here are the top reasons why you should use video technology when conducting a deposition.

Display the True Demeanor of a Witness

A written deposition cannot display the true demeanor and body language of a witness. This makes it very difficult for the attorney to make a compelling case. With video depositions, attorneys can display the witness’s demeanor, reactions, and body language as they provide their sworn testimony.

Grab the Attention of the Presiding Jury

As highlighted above, the world that we live in is now visually oriented. Therefore, using videos is more likely to capture the full attention of the judge and jury. Video depositions can engage the jurors in a way that conventional depositions and transcripts cannot. After all, it is human nature to pay attention to visual displays rather than written text.

Allow for Remote Witnesses

A key witness may not be able to appear in court in person due to distance, sickness, or any other reasons. This is where the importance of video depositions comes into play. It does not matter whether the witness is at home or a care facility. You can use videos to capture witness accounts conveniently from any location. 

Cut Down on Costs

Video testimonies are not only convenient but also affordable. They cut down on fees and travel expenses that can raise the entire cost and make depositions expensive. Besides, you can replay video testimonies repeatedly without having to call witnesses to come to court again.

Better Trial Preparation

Preparing for a case can be a long and tedious process. In any case, you have to gather and study all the evidence and testimonies to have a better chance of winning a lawsuit. With video depositions, the process becomes much easier since these depositions can act as a reference tool. Besides, you can review and assess the video multiple times as you prepare your presentation.

Show Physical Evidence

Sometimes physical evidence is what is required to determine the outcome of a case. Seeing a witness in a video handling physical evidence can make the difference in compelling the judge and jury into making the right decision. However, the display must capture everything accordingly to avoid crucial evidence getting lost in translation.

Impeach Inconsistent Witnesses

Some witnesses can be so inconsistent and they may decide to change their testimonies at trial. Using video depositions can help impeach untrustworthy witnesses when they decide to testify something different in the courtroom than they did in the video deposition. The judge and the jury will spot the discrepancies and this will certainly have far-reaching consequences on the direction the case will take.

Depositions are legally binding, meaning all witnesses must provide information about a particular case. Moreover, attorneys from both sides need to know what all witnesses will say during court proceedings in order to prepare their defense accordingly. 

It is therefore important to prepare your client for deposition way in advance. This will help them know what to expect, and avoid feeling intimidated by the opposing counsel.

Here are six points you need to know about preparing a first-time deponent for depositions:

What is a deposition?

A deposition is simply a testimony provided by a witness out of court in a civil lawsuit. The witness or deponent will have to answer various questions directed to them by an attorney. The interrogating lawyers use these question and answer sessions to gather as much information as they can from the witness to help them prepare for their cases.

Depositions are normally used to establish what a witness knows about a particular case. The information obtained can also be used during the trial to ask the witness why their statement conflicts with what was said during the deposition. Letting your client know about depositions in advance can help make them comfortable and confident about the entire process.

What should your client wear during a deposition?

A deposition is similar to a job interview. This means your client should wear decent clothes and avoid anything casual. Ideally, the deponent should dress conservatively by wearing long pants and dress shoes for men or a blouse and long slacks for women. Ask your client to avoid wearing jeans, shorts, sneakers, and sandals during depositions. The main goal here is to look neat and professional while remaining as comfortable as possible.

What should the deponent bring during a deposition?

Your client should not bring anything to the deposition as these items might be used by the opposing counsel as exhibits.  For instance, if you provide your client with various documents to review, make sure they don’t bring them to the deposition. The opposing attorney might mark whatever document your client brings as an exhibit. 

Even a phone can carry vital information that can be used against your client. The attorney may ask to check your client’s phone for emails, WhatsApp messages, and text messages. With this in mind, it is always a good idea to ask your client not to bring anything other than car keys or eyeglasses.

What time should the client arrive?

Your client should arrive 15-20 minutes before the deposition session starts. This will give you and your client adequate time to prepare and go over any last-minute items. The client will also be able to use the restroom or drink some water if they need to. Moreover, you can plan with the deponent how you will walk into the deposition room together. This will give the client confidence, and he or she will not feel out of place.

Describe what the deposition room will look like

The earlier your client arrives the better. This will give you a chance to describe to them how the conference room looks like. You will also show them where to sit during the deposition. If the session is going to be videotaped, you need to tell the client that they will sit facing a camera and that the client will be the only one in the frame. Also, tell the deponent where the opposing counsel, the videographer, and the court reporter will sit so that the client can picture the scene in advance.

What should the deponent expect?

You need to explain to your client that everything they say during the deposition is on the record. The videographer will start recording and the court reporter will start typing once the deposition begins. The client is required to raise his or her hand to take an oath confirming that they are saying the truth. After the oath, the opposing counsel will start asking questions. Let your client know when he or she should expect to begin answering the questions.

There are various types of court videography licensing. A popular one, however, comes from the AGCV (American Guild of Court Videographers). They are certified deposition video specialists and licensing board. When you are thinking about working as a court videographer, also note that you need some special skill set and training. Court videographers always begin with special training and certification. Various types of certifications are available out there. So, if you want to become a certified court videographer, you may need to explore the option that best suits you.

What to Know About Training

Firstly, you need to check out training or licensing courses. Be sure to enroll in a reliable licensing board, particularly one that offers overall, and credible services. Secondly, the training should cover the basics of the field, including videography skills, the ability to follow processes, how to problem solve, and how to protect the records. You may be required to pay for the training but it is worth it since you will get proper training, and be prepared for your future role.

Additionally, court videographers also learn how to record voice and video as well as pick up on nonverbal cues, or body language. Moreover, video recordings allow you to capture jurors, together with others who make decisions in court proceedings.

Unlike content transcripts or presentations, video often records and relays testimonials, which can help jurors to arrive at their ultimate judgment. Once you specialize and work in this area, you will become a part of a court process, as you will be the one handling the vital role of recording videos presented in court.

Lastly, apart from court videography, you can also use this skill in other areas such as documenting affidavits, creative work, testimonials, interviews, documentaries and so much more.

Conclusion

As you can see, the court reporting career is vital to the legal process. This is because it creates an exact record of what transpired, what was said, and who said it. Transcripts from a trial serve as a solid record of the proceedings. However, with the desire for an accurate, and complete record, a videographer will sometimes be included to capture the event. The use of video in court proceedings provides an opportunity to record facial expressions, long pauses, and expressions, which can’t be accurately captured in writing. All these help judges in making a final decision.

Have you tried using video in your depositions? If not then it might be time to start considering that. There are plenty of benefits you can derive from using video depositions. 

We currently live in a highly visual technological landscape and videos have more or less become the primary medium of digital communication. Virtually all sectors have integrated video formats into their communication framework with the help of apps like Zoom and TikTok. 

Here are some of the ways in which a video deposition can benefit both you and your client.

It allows you to read the body language and demeanor of witnesses

Video depositions can help bolster an attorney’s case and make it more compelling. It is not always possible to recreate all of the reactions and body cues of witnesses during a deposition, but this is something that can be done very accurately on video. If there are video recordings of depositions, these can be referenced by a jury and used when making a ruling on a case. 

It captures and holds the attention of the jury

Using videos in your depositions not only allows you to make a more engaging presentation but also captures and maintains the attention of jurors. Exposure to video technology has conditioned us to passively pay attention to information that is presented in video format whether it is T.V shows or Youtube content.  So, even when there is no important proceeding going on during a deposition, videos can help keep your jurors more attentive compared to if they are listening to a transcript being readout.

It allows for witnesses who are not physically present to give their testimonies

One of the primary advantages of video depositions is that they allow for witnesses who are not able to physically attend the proceedings to present their submissions. This makes it possible for them to participate in the depositions without necessarily being present in the courtroom.

It cuts down on witness fees and travel costs

Having many witnesses in a deposition can be a very costly affair since it requires them to be facilitated throughout the deposition. The cost of transporting and accommodating witnesses throughout the period of deposition can be very enormous. However, by having them present their testimonies through video recordings, this cost can be significantly reduced.

Can be used as a reference point for trials

Videos can be very helpful tools of reference during a deposition. This is because you are able to review them and assess them when preparing your presentation. This can help improve the quality of your presentation and build a stronger case.

A final word

Using videos in your depositions has plenty of benefits that can significantly bolster your presentation and increase your effectiveness during a court proceeding. If you are interested in employing this medium in your deposition, enlist the services of a court reporter to help you set it up so that you are able to use it more effectively. 

Sometimes, it may be impossible for witnesses to present their testimonies in person. This could be due to unforeseen reasons such as illness or out of state travel restrictions. Fortunately, with the emergence of video deposition services, key witnesses can now present their testimonies without having to make the trip to court.

Besides, video depositions are now admissible in court as long as they comply with Civil Rules and meet various specifications or requirements as set by the court. Moreover, court reporters may use video depositions along with audio transcripts for enhanced accuracy.

With that said, it is easy to tell that video depositions have a special and valuable place in the legal system. Here are a few ways videos can help in the courtroom.

Help create richer testimonies

Let’s face it. Audio transcripts and written testimonies can sometimes contain numerous errors, thus turning a case against any party involved. In addition, presenting erroneous transcripts before the court could jeopardize the reputation of a stenographer.

For this reason, stenographers, as well as certified court reporters, prefer using video depositions along with their legal recordings to help create richer and more accurate testimonies.

Add credibility to printed testimonies

Naturally, people tend to believe what they see compared to what they can read or hear. Apparently, oral and written testimonies are hardly believable to us humans unless they contain compelling evidence. 

Fortunately, video depositions can help add credibility to printed testimonies since the visual aspect conveys a deeper message to the human mind a lot more than words alone can!

Video depositions are convenient for out of state witnesses

Even though some states require witnesses to appear in court in person, more courtrooms are now accepting video depositions as an alternative to oral and written testimonies. This can be of great convenience, as not everyone likes going to court.

In addition, some key witnesses may be out of town or down with a bout of illness thus employing video deposition services could turn out to be a great option.

Cut back on costs

It might sound unbelievable, but video depositions are extremely affordable and can help cut down on the costs of running a full trial. Apparently, the recording party does not need to invest in expensive equipment to record visual testimonies. They only need to ensure the quality of the video is above par, and it complies with the set requirements for it to be admissible in court.

Help preserve testimonies

One of the most important aspects about video depositions is that they help preserve testimonies. Unlike printed documents that could get lost or damaged, video depositions are usually backed up in a database or cloud storage for enhanced safety and integrity.

Moreover, court reporters and other relevant parties can access these videos quickly and easily whenever they need to present them in court.

Can sway a case in your favor

The attorney is able to coach witnesses on what to say and what to answer during the recording process. This can sway a case in your favor without having to struggle.

Moreover, while creating quality legal videography requires a high level of expertise, the various benefits it presents make it a worthwhile investment for all types of litigators. 

Helps Make a Case

A video gives a clear visual perspective of the featured individual, particularly their thoughts, actions and body language. Preserving such details, which may not be possible in a written deposition, is key to successfully push through a long, drawn-out trial. 

Repeatedly reviewing video footage of a witness may make you discover things you probably wouldn’t notice in person. These new details can help you destroy the opposing party’s case, and consequently reach a settlement that’s favorable to you.

Serves as Evidence of Speech

Lying under oath is a criminal offense. However, some cunning witnesses may choose to lie in order to help the plaintiff or defendant win the case.  Having video evidence, rather than just words, to counter the lies will put you in a much stronger position to prove your case. 

Moreover, a visual point of reference can help you notice discrepancies in subsequent testimonies and depositions made by the same witness, which can help you prove they’re not reliable.

Helps You Save Money

As mentioned earlier, legal video can help reduce trial costs if applied the right way. For one, having your witnesses give their statements through video conferencing software can help you save on transport costs if they happen to live out of state, or in another country. Also, if you want to include the views of an expert, or two, in your case, it will make more sense to get everything on video as opposed to flying them out and paying for their accommodation. 

The fact that most courts are now accepting the use of legal videos means that in the near future, all depositions, and testimonies could exclusively be done via video link. 

Provides a Truthful Record

While most courts will consider the transcripts produced by official court reporters before the recordings made by litigators, legal videos can still come in handy in certain instances. For one, they help set the record straight in regards to who said what to who, and when. To make your videos more credible, consider syncing them with the text transcripts. That way, the court will still be able to verify the voices involved, but now with an additional view of the tone, and verbal cues of the speakers.

Visual Evidence is More Believable

Video evidence involves both the senses of sight and hearing, which makes it more engaging and memorable. Depending on the type and strength of the evidence you’re presenting, legal videography can be a powerful tool towards impacting the minds of jurors and judges in your case.