These devices are susceptible to virus attacks as was shown recently at the hackers conference. Researchers developed a malware that they named BadUSB, which was in a position of taking over a computer, covertly altering files installed in it, and even re-directing the user’s internet traffic. Since this virus is located in the firmware as opposed to the disc’s memory storage, the attack coding could stay invisible even when the user attempted to delete the files in it.

On the flipside, the utilization of USB discs as evidence might not meet the laid down chain of custody requirements in the court of law. To begin with, there are numerous examples where video evidence files configuration must be altered or even edited for them to be compatible with the PC used. This makes it imperative that the processes that are utilized for such evidence presentations to be well documented and attested by the party that submits them. This documentation should also be filed with the video in support in support of its introduction as evidence.

In scenarios that involve a jury, the judge may want to permit them to play such video evidence while they are on their own. To this end, some courts provide mobile devices like iPads that can be connected to a screen in the jury room. This certainly goes a long way in fast tracking the jury’s work. Since they wont be necessitated to adjourn and ultimately return to the courtroom to view the evidence as they would with videotapes and TVs.

Nevertheless, one thing to always remember is that a digital file is usually utilized. Software such as LegalXML and ECF e-filing are used to connect to an external server. The latter of which can be court operated, law enforcement agency owned, government provided or from a relevant contracted service. Whichever the case, such a server ought to permit the storage of video evidence digital signatures for proper authentication.

USB discs can still be utilized to load such files to the server in use, and ideally they should only be used for this task. And ought to be checked in or out by a court of law’s control office. While also get them scanned and cleaned in between usage. This, however, does not in any way guarantee that these devices will be immune from getting viruses from the computer that is used to load the files in them. Relying on such an approach is naturally extremely time wasting and also drains the meager manpower of a court of law. This makes e-filing to be the most practical alternative in most of these circumstances.

Typically, video depositions are particularly excellent when offered by a plaintiff as an admission by the defendant. Alternatively, they can be ideal when it comes to presenting depositions of key witnesses, who may for one reason or the other be unable to attend the trial proceedings. On the flipside, in the out of court scenario these invaluable tools can assist attorneys to determine just which witnesses they should use, as well as helping them in the preparation of direct/cross examination of the same.

Opting for video deposition services can significantly minimize trial costs, do away with “big guy/big budget” assertions and even fear-downs and unnecessary interruptions. To make things even better, video testimonies, are for the most part, extremely inexpensive. This naturally makes the creation of video depositions readily accessible to virtually any kind of lawyer. However, the distinct quality of these legal tools is always a critical factor on which to reflect. Simply making use of a webcam often leads to poor quality videos that are inadmissible in most courts of law.

To this end, utilizing online video deposition services is certainly the best way to go about it. Firms that offer these services are known to invest in the right technology and also possess the necessary manpower. Both of which are indispensable resources that most law firms don’t ordinarily have in their power. They can also effortlessly fast track and streamline the process of making a proper video deposition. While also going out of their way to guarantee the integrity of these tools in a court of law.

As such depositions happen to be visual-centric in nature, the most critical factor to consider is appropriate preparation of witnesses. Most especially in effectively training them in accordance to the laid down regulations of legal video testimonies, it is a good idea to teach them on body language and eye contact, along with the significance of such non-verbal cues on the opinions of the intended viewers.

Finally, video deposition services are noted for their unparalleled convenience. There are a wide variety of computer applications that permit attorneys to process such testimonies online. Lawyers can effortlessly access the services of secure real-time storage of videos and transcripts in centralized databases. This can come in handy in facilitating for convenient retrieval and assessment whenever necessary. They can also be in a position of annotating and indexing footage–together with making data searchable, particularly for highlighting or evaluation of crucial testimonies. Ultimately attorneys can be able to choose which clips to use in their trial presentations.