Courtroom videographers record court proceedings and depositions, requiring videography skills and knowledge of the law. They perform video editing, comply with legal standards, and insert visual displays for use in court. They may also provide transcriptions and closed captioning. Professional organizations offer workshops and classes to their members.
A courtroom cameraman records court proceedings and depositions. It requires videography skills, as well as knowledge of the law and the legal system, to provide recordings that pass legal tests and meet generally accepted standards. Some belong to professional organizations that certify their members, while others may work without formal certification. A specific license is usually not required, but having a formal degree in videography can be helpful, as can having substantial experience.
In addition to recording a video, a court videographer performs video editing. Edits must comply with legal standards; the videographer cannot, for example, distort or manipulate the testimony, but he can edit a video to stabilize shaking or resolve other issues. Videographers can also insert visual displays, title cards and other assets to create a final presentation for an attorney to use in court. They should be familiar with the standards for determining whether a court will accept video as evidence to ensure the recordings are appropriate.
During courtroom sessions, the courtroom videographer may record sessions for the court or attorneys’ reference, depending on policy. Attorneys may find it helpful to review videos and transcripts of the day’s proceedings as they plan the trial and respond to unfolding events. Some courts may allow the use of real-time video as a witness if a witness is unable to appear in court. In that case, a court videographer can set up the system and travel to the witness to record and stream.
Companies offering videography services may also provide transcriptions, closed captioning, and related services. These are often the responsibility of others, allowing the courtroom videographer to focus on capturing good video and audio of a deposition or trial. A sound technician can provide assistance in increasing sound quality, which can help attorneys avoid challenges based on unclear testimony. Editing can also be used to clean up the audio quality for a clearer sound.
Videography educational programs may include segments for people interested in offering legal services. This includes discussions of configuring and breaking down legal settings and specific legal issues that may arise in the course of recording, editing and using video. Professional organizations also offer workshops and classes to their members. Some may require certain classes and an exam before allowing videographers to join, ensuring a basic standard of quality among their members.
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