Video Depositions
Video depositions have a variety of uses by an attorney both in preparing for a trial and during the course of a trial.
Video depositions are used by attorneys in preparing for a trial to see and analyze a witness’ demeanor in terms of how this witness would relate or not relate to a jury or a judge. In reviewing the video deposition, using various different types of software, an attorney can search the video deposition for specific areas of testimony he is most interested in.
During the course of a trial, an attorney can also select certain portions of the video deposition to present to the jury in the context of other visual presentations he will be making. He can also select a frame to create a still shot of a witness that he wishes to show the jury.
A video deposition can be used during the course of the trial if the witness is unavailable to appear due to geographical or health issues. Sometimes getting to trial will take so many years that there can be a queestion whether the witness will still be alive or alert enough to testify down the road.
A video deposition is a valuable part of an overall litigation strategy used by attorneys in lawsuits in preparing for the trial and during the actual trial itself.