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.

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.

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.

There are many types of certifications out there and if you’re interested in becoming a videographer for the courts as your career, you may need to see what’s out there.

Certification desirability may vary by state or location. Depending on what county, state or local area you are in, the license and certification requirement may be different from place to place.

A popular one comes from the American Guild of Videographers and is the ‘Certified Deposition Video Specialist’ certification, but check and see what the requirements are when it comes to the court system you will be working with– it’s good to know.

This field has a few requirements, as most career fields do. While it is something that the majority of people could technically do, the fact of the matter is that your dedication level and commitment as well as some positive traits that lend themselves to success will determine how suited you are to this position.

You will likely want to check out training or licensing courses near you. Make sure that they have the proper credits or what they offer is going to work with where you may be employed in the future or that it is a popular and reliable license.

Things you will be trained in include the basics of the field, videography skills, the ability to follow procedure, how to protect records, how to problem solve, and more. The process of certification may be one that you pay for, but is also worth the value that it provides– preparing you for working in the field.

It will also allow videographers to learn how to record audio and video and pick up on body language or nonverbal cues. Video recordings offer the ability to influence a case, and jurors as well as others making decisions in the system review evidence regarding the cases frequently. Video over text transcripts or presentations can often capture and relay testimony that can help the jurors come to their ultimate decision.

When you specialize and work in this field, you will become a part of the process of court testimony. They are a crucial part of capturing the video that is presented in court. It’s also a skill that can transition outside of court and be used for recording depositions, creative work, interviews, documentary, testimonials and more.