7 Reasons Why Video Depositions Are Important for Your Litigation
A legal video deposition can play an important role in your case. When litigation starts, you want to have the most accurate and reliable statements possible. Written transcripts were once used, but with today’s technology, video depositions go a step farther.
The true significance of video depositions for your litigation can be measured by understanding the following benefits:
- Impeach A Witness
A video deposition works well if a witness decides to change their testimony midway through the trial. If an attorney catches them in a false or misleading statement during the trial, they can play back the video and impeach the witness’s testimony. - Keep The Other Side Honest
A video deposition records everything that happens during the interview. Some attorneys request a video deposition so they can prevent the opposing legal team from trying to confuse or frustrate the witness. - Distance
A video deposition is used to record the testimony of a witness who lives too far away from court to appear. Individuals who live out of state or who are in the military may need to have their statement recorded and sent back to the jurisdiction where the trial is being held. - Evaluate A Witness
An attorney may request a video deposition to determine how the witness will appear to a jury. If the witness gets frustrated or upset easily, it may be easier for them to testify through a videotaped deposition. - Intimidation
Attorneys who like to use intimidation tactics will request a video deposition for the simple fact that they can put the witness “on the spot” with bright lights shining and isolation in a small room. - Provides An Accurate Account
A video deposition provides an accurate account of a witness’s testimony. If a witness provides a videotaped deposition and becomes incapacitated before they can testify at trial, their deposition can be used as an accurate account of their testimony. - Easy to Replay
A videotaped deposition can be replayed again and again both in trial and when the jury is in deliberation. There’s no need to read from paper transcripts if a video can easily be queued up to the spot that’s needed.
Types of Video Formats
Using the right file format is crucial to get the videos to operate with your trial presentation software. Following types of video file formats are popularly used nowadays to record legal video depositions:
MPEG: This format is PC/Windows compatible and it is perhaps the most often chosen video format.
MP4: This format is compatible with both PC and Mac and the video can be trimmed or edited very easily.
DVD: If you want the complete deposition recorded and placed on a DVD then this is likely to be the format you desire.
Synchronized Copy: This format is applicable in situations where you need the jury to view every word or phrase spoken, line-by-line by a witness in a deposition.
For more information or to schedule a video deposition, please contact us today.
