Did you know a person is most likely to remember 40% of what they see, 50% of what they hear, and 90% of what they see & hear? Not only that, but emotion is conveyed much more powerfully through video than through text. Those are some of the main reasons why video is becoming more and more popular in many industries, including law. Video depositions and other kinds of video in the courtroom are changing the way judges and juries interact with legal videos in so many different ways.
Here are just a few of the ways video depositions are transforming the legal industry.
1. Record Testimony
Do you have a witness who can’t be at the trial? There are so many reasons why a witness needs to be deposed at another time and in another setting. Maybe the person lives in another state or country and can’t afford the money or time it takes to fly in to testify live. There could be scheduling conflicts. No problem! With video depositions, a witness can give their testimony under oath and have it count in the courtroom later. Video allows the judge and jury to watch the testimony as if the person was in the courtroom giving it, including all the person’s facial expressions and intonations. The video can even be edited to exclude any objections sustained by the judge, as well as any questionable testimony.
2. Preserve Testimony
If you have a witness who is ill or even near death, you definitely want to preserve that person’s testimony, as you may not be able to get it again. Video depositions can keep that person’s testimony on record for the life of the case and beyond. Videoed testimony also prevents witnesses from changing their testimony later on.
3. Video Depositions Add Dimension to the Testimony
In a written script, only the words a witness speaks are preserved. However, in a video, the witness’s tone of voice, heavy sighs, and other telling body language become part of the testimony, adding dynamic and dimension to the words being spoken. The judge and jury members can tell if a witness is nervous, confident, or seems unsure, which contributes to the overall picture of whatever event or experience is being described.
4. Eliminates Doubt
With in a video, a picture in picture effect can be used where a piece of evidence can be displayed within the video alongside the witness speaking and explaining about the evidence. The second “picture” can be a document, an image, or even a video clip. Picture in picture video eliminates doubt about the relevance and importance of the piece of evidence and can increase its admissibility.
Jump on the Video Depositions Bandwagon
Video depositions have revolutionized the legal industry and it’s time to jump on board. These videos should be taken by Certified Legal Video Specialists (CLVS) so they know exactly what to focus on and how to edit the videos appropriately. Equipment needs to work perfectly so there are no malfunctions during these important interviews. At Shereck Video, we are experts in taking video depositions and other legal videos and we make it our priority to provide you with high-quality videos for your records and trial. Don’t hesitate to make use of this powerful tool in your next legal proceeding!