You invested hundreds of dollars into your video deposition, and you can’t wait for the day to show your first video at trial. But imagine that your key piece of evidence shows up on the screen blurry, too small to be seen—or worse, doesn’t appear onscreen at all.
Presentation and Troubleshooting Tips to Avoid Problems With Your Video Deposition in Court
When it comes to presenting video depositions in court, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. These three things can help you prepare for playback (and avoid frustration and wasted time during trial):
- Submit your written transcripts on time. Most courts require that both attorneys submit written deposition transcripts with the court weeks before trial in order to give opposing counsel the chance to object to a portion of testimony. If objections are raised about any of your video clips, the judge will rule on admissibility using written transcripts. If you miss the court deadlines, you risk having your valuable evidence thrown out.
- Read the room. The setup of the courtroom plays a vital role in the effectiveness of your evidence. Because many judges will let you set up your equipment before jury selection, you should test all of your equipment before the trial begins to ensure smooth transitions and avoid connectivity and playback errors. Your screen should be in plain view of the jury, and the volume should be adequate for all parties to hear. If the courtroom is equipped with its own A/V system, make sure yours is compatible and connected correctly before proceedings begin. Always consult with the judge or clerk to make sure your setup is acceptable for proceedings, especially if you have special requests (such as dimming the lights before playback).
- Have a backup plan. If you are relying on a particular piece of evidence, it pays to take a belt-and-suspenders approach to protecting your files. You should be able to access your deposition video in several different methods and formats, including on your laptop, on your tablet, and even using a protected Internet storage site. You should also have a copy of your file on CD or on an external hard drive to make sure you won’t encounter any compatibility issues.
Casamo & Associates can help you avoid costly courtroom distractions and technical difficulties when presenting your video testimony. We ensure that your files are compatible with your preferred software and provide our tech support team to make sure your presentation goes off without a hitch. Visit our Video Deposition Services page to learn how we can help you.
