The Benefits of a Video Deposition | Iowa Litigation Support

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” and in the case of a legal deposition, a video is worth ten-fold.  At Legal Eagles, we believe that video depositions are the future of legal testimonies.  In conjunction with a court reporter’s transcript, a video deposition can transform your litigation.

Benefits of Video-Recording Testimony 

Let’s start with the benefits of recording a video testimony. With video production from Legal Eagles, you can capture real time details of the deposition.  

• Video deposition allows capture of non-verbal gestures, and body language for a more realistic portrayal of the testimony.

• Recording testimony also displays handling of a physical exhibit, to provide greater clarity for the jury.

• Video production can also reveal the time lapse between a question and the witness’s answer.

• Recording allows a review of a witness’s credibility when preparing for trial.

• Video is an ideal medium for children’s testimony.  Including less intimidation, influence, and overall distraction. 

• Provide a safe space for abuse victims with the option for blurred faces and change voices for protected deponents.

• Discourage disruptive behavior by the witness or opposing counsel.

• Prepare a witness for live testimony by having them review their performance in a practice video.

• Present witnesses unavailable at time of trial.

• Save on expert witness travel cost by preserving testimony via video.

• Impugn the credibility of a witness by juxtaposing impeachment video clips as the witness’s testimony changes.

• Highlight sarcasm or flippancy in a witness’s voice.

• Employ picture-in- picture technology, to display the witness testifying in conjunction with the exhibit being referenced.

• Easily locate a section of video by searching the corresponding synchronized transcript.

• Create video clips to share with your expert or co-counsel or for use at trial.

• Provide impressions of a witness in a way that makes the testimony more memorable.

 

Transcript Synchronization for Video Depositions

The process of video synchronization allows the reporter’s transcript to be timed with the video images. Therefore, eliminating the need to rewind footage multiple times.  At Legal Eagles, we offer three levels of transcript synchronization:

1. Basic Video Deposition: 

This is a video which is expertly timed with a transcript acting as close captioning.

2. Intermediate Deposition: 

This version enables litigation experts to search for any word in a transcript, then immediately view the corresponding section of the video.  (for example, see DepoView)

3. Full Deposition: 

Legal Eagles will load files into legal presentation software (for example, TrialDirector) for full functionality.  This includes pulling out certain clips, tying parts of the deposition to other exhibits or testimonies, organizing, bookmarking, and much more.

 

Tips Preparation for Video Deposition

When you hire Legal Eagles, we will take care of the organization for you.  There is no set up configurations, or technical knowledge needed. However, here are some things to keep in mind both prior to and during the deposition:

• Advise the Legal Eagles beforehand if you desire special services, such as picture-in- picture, which can require additional equipment.

• Allow time for Legal Eagles to zoom in on a given exhibit at your direction.

• Pause when going off or back on the record, to give time to make an announcement for the record to such effect.

• Stay conscious of your own verbal tics, such as starting every question with “ok,” “all right,” etc.

When To Use Video Deposition

Whether you have a witness who will be unavailable to testify at trial, or you simply want to add punch to your impeachment strategy, video depositions can make a memorable impact.  At Legal Eagles, our legal partners chose our services for our confidentiality, video quality , and an easier way to keep track of trial findings.

 

About Legal Eagles Law Firm Support

More Than a Printshop, A Law Firm Resource in Des Moines.

We are known for our full service offerings to law firms across Iowa.  Whether your legal needs include printing, copying, organizing, video production or e-discovery, Legal Eagles is a one stop shop.  With our secure file transfer and commitment to confidentiality, our team will take your legal organization to the next level by providing in-house level service, with expert deadline accuracy.

At Legal Eagles, we are certified legal video specialists through the National court Reporters Association.  This means, as a third party service, Legal Eagles is eliminating distraction to your deposition strategy while ensuring technical video expertise.  In addition, Legal Eagles can also edit out objections after post-deposition rulings by the court.

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