Depositions
What Is a Video Deposition?
A video deposition is a professionally recorded visual and audio record of sworn testimony taken before trial, usable at trial, in settlement, and for the record.
The definition
A video deposition is a professionally recorded video and audio record of sworn testimony taken before trial. It preserves what the witness said and how they said it, and it can be used at trial, in settlement discussions, and as part of the case record.
How it differs from a written transcript
A court reporter's transcript captures the words. A video deposition captures the words plus demeanor, tone, and emphasis — the things that make testimony persuasive to a jury. The two usually work together: the video can be synchronized with the transcript so text and video play as one.
When it is used
A video deposition is used when testimony may be unavailable at trial, when a witness's demeanor matters, when the recording will be played for a jury, or when a durable record of the examination is needed for settlement or impeachment.
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