Local Rule Rule 30: DEPOSITIONS

Rule 30. DEPOSITIONS

(a) Audiovisual Recording of Depositions. A deposition may be recorded audiovisually as a matter of course in accordance with FED. R. CIV. P. 30(b)(2).

(1) Written Transcript Required. The recorded deposition must also be taken in the usual manner by a qualified shorthand or machine reporter and a written transcript prepared for use in subsequent court proceedings.

(2) Scope of Scene Viewed. During the deposition the witness must be recorded in as near to courtroom atmosphere and standards as possible. There will not be any zoom-in procedures to unduly emphasize any portion of the testimony, but zoom-in will be allowed for exhibits and charts to make them visible to a jury. The camera must focus as much as possible on the witness. The attorneys may be shown on introduction, the beginning of examination, and during objections.

(3) Witness's Approval Not Required. A witness need not view or approve the recording of a deposition.

(4) Availability to Parties. Any party may purchase a duplicate original or edited recording from the video operator technician at any time.

(5) Editing. Audiovisually recorded depositions must be edited before the trial as required by the pretrial order.

(6) Expenses Recoverable as Cost. A prevailing party may claim in its bill of costs the court reporter's expenses for audiovisually recorded depositions necessarily obtained for use in the case.

(b) Depositions of Experts. The court encourages audiovisual recording of the testimony of expert witnesses.