Rule 80 Transcript as Evidence

If a witness testified at an earlier trial or hearing, and that testimony was either recorded electronically or written down by a court reporter, it can sometimes be used again in a later trial. This happens when the earlier testimony is allowed as evidence in the new case.

To use that old testimony, you don't need to bring the witness back or replay the original recording. Instead, you can use a written transcript of what was said. But the transcript has to be certified, meaning the person who recorded or reported the testimony confirms that it's accurate and complete.

In simple terms, this rule lets courts rely on properly certified transcripts from past proceedings instead of requiring witnesses to repeat their testimony in person. This saves time and avoids the need to track down witnesses who may not be available for a new trial.