Tag Archive for "COVID-19" - CourtScribes, Inc. | Court Reporting & Litigation Support

The Uncertainty of Remote Depositions Post COVID-19

Posted on: July 19th, 2021 by Sfl Media No Comments

As we have discussed many times here at CourtScribes, remote depositions became more prevalent in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. But we now have an interesting conundrum. Court reporters have refused to use video to record depositions because they were not certified to do so. This led to some attorneys taking the job upon themselves even though very few attorneys have had a chance to “test” the use of self-recorded video depositions at trial.

Now that civil cases are now getting back on the dockets, so are the questions of the admissibility of uncertified videos from remote depositions that took place during the pandemic.

In one Illinois case, a federal judge found that the use of such uncertified video recording bypasses the process outlined in the rules of civil procedure and jeopardizes the integrity of the proceedings. The judge was unconvinced by arguments that the certified transcript was available for comparison to affirm the accuracy of the video.

The judge seemed further concerned about the “vantage point” in remote depositions. He noted that in a gallery view situation, the jury could be influenced by the attorneys’ home spaces and children or pets that will occasionally (inevitably) appear on the camera.

He concluded that neither option mimics a typical video deposition that gives the jury proper focus at trial and that absent changes in the civil rules, uncertified recordings from video depositions are not admissible in his courtroom. It is difficult to tell how other courts will rule on the admissibility of such self-recorded online depositions.

As courts reopen, attempts to use uncertified video deposition recordings at trial will become more common. Until court rules and decisions provide more guidance, it is important to enter proper stipulations to ensure that an uncertified video recording of an online deposition can (or cannot) be used at trial.

If you need court reporting services, please contact CourtScribes.com, which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world, and are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Although the majority of cities that offer CourtScribes’ services are in Florida, the company home base, other cities all across these United States that CourtScribes offers services in, are the following: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Clearwater, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Weston, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Stuart, Hollywood, Naples, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Key West, Coral Gables, Maryland, Manhattan, Buffalo, Washington DC, Baltimore, Bowie, Virginia, Frederick, Albany, New York, Brooklyn, Westchester, Gaithersberg, and Rockville.

How Did COVID-19 Shape UK Court Reporting?

Posted on: June 14th, 2021 by Sfl Media No Comments

Much like in the US, the UK justice system has also had to adapt to virtual settings (like Zoom meetings) throughout the pandemic. But it is not just lawyers and judges who have felt these perils. Court reporters have also experienced a period of adjustment.

When the pandemic hit, the UK government introduced The Coronavirus Act 2020. This meant that UK courts began to use video and audio technology so proceedings could be viewed by the public, including court reporters covering the cases.

And although the COVID-19 restrictions are easing, it doesn’t seem like video calls are going away anytime soon. The Coronavirus Act in the UK has been extended until September, so remote court hearings will continue until then.

Bumps in the Road

The transition to virtual court attendance has had its fair share of bumps in the road. One of the issues was that the UK legal system lacked the digital technology and infrastructure to make a smooth transition. Participants were dialing in through Skype and then a dedicated cloud video platform. Many times the links did not work and the settings were not acoustically designed for the type of set-up. It was often hard to hear who was talking and pick up the important details during hearings.

Normally the clerk of the court is on hand to clarify questions, or details on court lists, addresses, charges, or even the spelling of people’s names. But it is harder to ask questions in a virtual setting and so routine questions needed to be handled through follow-up emails. This was rather challenging.

Tuning in through a camera lens fails to encapsulate the typical drama expected in the courtroom. Journalists are missing out on reactions from the dock, defendants reacting to what’s being said about them, not being able to see the barristers or judge, and not understanding who the other people in the courtroom are. These are all peripheral things taken for granted in a courtroom.

The Upsides & Benefits

However, there is a bright side. Virtual hearings are more practical when a full day of work could mean up to four different hearings at four different venues across the town. So while the downside is that you can’t be there, you save time on travel and can get more accomplished virtually.

Improving accessibility could also see a spark of interest in court reporting. Virtual attendance has the capacity to get more journalists in the newsrooms involved with court reporting, but also spark more interest in the young talent coming through. However, universities have not been able to take their journalism students to visit courts as they normally would.

If you need court reporting services in the US that handles digital recording then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world is ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Successful Tips for a Remote Deposition

Posted on: April 26th, 2021 by Sfl Media No Comments

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, CourtScribes, courtrooms, and frankly the whole court system has changed. The need for social distancing has become an important factor in getting things back to normal as quickly as possible. And the courtrooms are no different.

Society agreed that conducting trials while making use of remote court appearances and remote depositions is now the norm. The thing is, that many are not used to video conferencing (like Zoom) and maybe going to the net for tips. You’re in luck though, as CourtScribes is gonna provide a list of tips to conducting a successful remote deposition.

1 – Knowing the Web Conference Applications

You should always do a practice run of the software that you will be using during remote depositions. This will make it more comfortable to use and can access all system commands without issue.

2 – Don’t Interrupt Audio from Another Source

Remote depositions are always recorded for future use. It is important that all of the audio is transmitted correctly. If it is not done correctly, it will be too difficult to understand. Try not to speak over others to ensure that everything is recorded.

3 – Make Sure All Equipment is in Order

Having a stable internet connection might be the most important part of having a successful remote deposition. Make sure all systems are stable. You don’t want to have any issues with disconnections. Check that all audio devices are working and make sure that the microphone is picking up all audio correctly.

4 – Follow Normal Conducts for a Standard Deposition

Many people are working from home, and although you are comfortable in your home, with your familiar equipment, it’s important that you still represent yourself in a professional state of mind. Use all standard protocol procedures for conducting a normal deposition.

5 – Work in a Comfortable Space

When working, you just don’t need unexpected visitors popping in to interrupt your remote deposition. It is important to make sure that the area you are going to work in is free from any chances of interruption.

CourtScribes is who you need to provide you with everything you may require for a remote deposition.

A Look at a Court Reporter’s Remote Deposition Setup

Posted on: April 12th, 2021 by Sfl Media No Comments

When COVID-19 first forced workplace closures back in March of 2020, people across the country quickly found themselves working from their home office, dining room, table, couch, and other unique locations within their homes. Basically, it was anywhere they could find a quiet place to do their work. The legal industry, including professional court reporters like those at CourtScribes, was certainly not immune to the work-from-home trend.

Court reporters shifted to working remotely and had to re-engineer how they operate in their day-to-day in reporting depositions and other proceedings. The emergence of new remote platforms, guidelines, and client expectations led court reporters to quickly adapt to ensure business as usual to capture the record.

At the onset of the pandemic, remote working meant simply setting up a workspace at the kitchen table or in the living room. Now a year later, with a lot of creativity being applied, many court reporters have learned helpful “do’s and don’ts” for at-home remote deposition setups.

We have learned that many professional court reporters created many interesting and effective remote deposition offices.

As the pandemic continues and the acceptance of remote formats for proceedings continues to gain widespread adoption and acceptance, it is important to stay up-to-date on best practices and considerations for a successful remote deposition.

In preparation for upcoming and future remote depositions, we gathered equipment and accessory recommendations that make the process easier for both you and your clients.

If you need court remote deposition services that handle digital recording then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Despite Tech Court Reporters Say They’re Here to Stay

Posted on: January 11th, 2021 by Sfl Media No Comments

In the age of smartphones, it’s a common occurrence. Instead of typing out a text, you use Siri or Alexa and dictate your message. Sometimes your digital assistant gets it right, but sometimes (many times), she gets it wrong. This can create issues that are frustrating.

This misunderstood voice-to-text message might not be a big deal for day-to-day affairs. But in court, these words matter, and even one mistake in messaging can make or break a case.

It’s this reason that court reporters strongly dispute the notion that voice-to-text technology or other artificial intelligence could replace them in a courtroom. Even in the age of a pandemic that forced court proceedings into the digital world, reporters insist that a human element is needed to create an accurate record.

That being said, digital recording is growing, and it’s more than likely here to stay. But, according to some, there’s a middle ground to be found: embracing technology to increase efficiency while also relying on humans for nuance.

COVID-19 Changes

Once the pandemic came, it forced the entire legal industry, reporters included, into a virtual environment. That transition created new responsibilities for reporters.

Reporters have always had “officiating duties,” such as administering oaths to witnesses in court and depositions. But the move to virtual proceedings has created more nuance in that role. Attorneys took to Zoom quickly because of the convenience the platform provides.

The Human Element

There are two main reporting methods: traditional stenographic reporting and digital reporting. These methods play the same role but with different tools. The traditional method translates proceedings from stenography into English for a transcript, while the latter translates digital audio directly into a transcript.

Digital recording is useful from an efficiency perspective, though lawyers need to hire a stenographic reporter if they want the level of efficiency provided by real-time reporting. But there is a “misunderstanding” in the industry as to the role digital technology can play in producing a transcript.

Also is the issue of differing dialects. A non-native English speaker testifying in a medical malpractice case might pronounce the word “skeletal” as skee-lee-tal, and voice-to-text technology would capture the word in that manner. A reporter, however, would know that the witness meant “skeletal” and would transcribe accordingly.

If you need court reporting services that handle digital recording then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

More Courts Reverting to Remote Criminal Trials as COVID-19 Surges

Posted on: December 7th, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

CourtScribes has taken notice that the Minnesota Judicial Council has imposed a new 60-day pause on almost all in-person criminal jury trials, effective until February 1st, 2021. And they are not the only state.

There will be an exception process, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea said, but nearly all trials will revert to virtual proceedings. Unless doing so is “impossible or there is an emergency.”

The order will go into effect on November 30th, giving courthouse staff time to adjust. The Judicial Council approved it unanimously on November 19th.

Why are the Courts Taking This Step

This was precipitated by skyrocketing COVID-19 infections, which prompted Governor Tim Walz to reinstate tough restrictions on private gatherings, sports and entertainment venues and restaurant and bar services.

In a second vote, the Judicial Council also unanimously approved an order emphasizing remote courthouse counter services until February 1st, though in-person, over-the-counter services will remain available by appointment.

The new rules will create difficulties for the courts.

The decision coincided with the Minnesota Department of Health reporting a one-day total of 7,877 new COVID-19 infections and a one-day record 72 deaths. Unidentified court employees in Scott and LeSueur counties reportedly are among the 249,906 Minnesotans who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The order effectively re-imposes the court shutdown imposed in the opening weeks of the pandemic. Courts, however, gradually began holding more in-person jury trials. But they were allowed to do so only if they adhered to strict mask-wearing, social-distance and disinfecting guidelines.

In September, even the civil trial moratorium was lifted. Thursday’s order re-imposes it.

Thursday’s decision overrides recommendations from the council’s Other Side Work Group, which had suggested that courts begin ramping down out-of-custody, in-person hearings but continue to hold in-person jury trials involving speedy-trial requests, without exception requirements.

7th Judicial District Chief Judge Jay Carlson offered a motion to pass Gildea’s emergency order. Other than for trials already in progress, he said, no criminal jury trials will commence until February 1st, 2020, unless the Judicial District’s chief judge, in consultation with Chief Justice Gildea, grants an exception.

The order allows other kinds of in-person hearings to be held only if there is an emergency necessitating one, or if holding a remote hearing is not possible.

While demands for speedy trials might trigger an exception to the rule, that will be true only for demands made prior to Nov. 20—the date of the order’s issuance. To wait until the order’s Nov. 30 effective date, council members worried, might invite a crush of speedy-trial demands between now and the end of the month.

Judge John Hoffman offered an amendment related to grand juries. He suggested that prosecutors also be allowed to apply for exceptions so they can continue bringing major criminal charges.

The order puts no new limits on contested omnibus hearings or other proceedings that can be held remotely, council members said.

The New Normal: Tips for Remote Depositions

Posted on: November 30th, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

For many of us, including us here at CourtScribes, connecting by Zoom, Teams, or WebEx is rather routine. Many use this for work-related meetings, online schooling, or remote social hours. These video-conferencing platforms have provided a way to maintain daily connections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even during the pandemic, litigation has continued amidst social distancing requirements and court closures, and with that comes the remote depositions. Many, if not all, depositions during COVID-19 are being handled remotely. While this does pose additional considerations as to procedure, remote depositions are not to be feared. Below are the three tips for witnesses, counsel, and other participants to assist in preparing for a remote deposition.

1. Plan, Prepare and Plan Some More

Take advantage of the short commute to your home office by using that extra time to prepare for the logistics of a remote deposition. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a working microphone. The court reporter transcribing the deposition will thank you. Also, make sure family members and pets are out of the way to minimalize any distracting background noises.

Also, double-check the background that will be visible behind you. Many depositions are video-recorded as well as transcribed, and these videos ultimately may be played to a jury. Photos, clocks, and artwork behind the witness may detract from the testimony. Consider using a professional-looking virtual background if necessary.

2. Use an Experienced Court Reporter

While this might be your first remote deposition, make sure it is not the first for your court reporter. The court reporter (or videographer, like CourtScribes) should serve as the host and should be well-versed in the mechanics of serving as the appointed officer from a remote location.

Experienced court reporting services should come prepared with a stipulation to swear in the witness remotely. They should also be ready to handle exhibits electronically, which will save the witness from having to ship hard copies to the court reporter later. Sophisticated video-conferencing platforms allow a witness to take control over an exhibit on the screen and to scroll through pages or add markups as instructed by counsel.

Like any video conferencing call, you will receive a link prior to the deposition. Test it out a day or so before to make sure you have the necessary software installed and to confirm the platform is compatible with your computer, camera, and microphone. Similarly, make sure you have a game plan for exhibits, whether that be uploading them in advance or sharing them yourself during the deposition. Likewise, make sure you conduct a trial run of that technology.

3. Be a Good Witness (Or Prepare Your Client to Do the Same)

Have the host set up a private break room so the witness and counsel can confer during breaks. The witness should set up her screen so she can see the questioning attorney, the court reporter, and her counsel. Remotely, it is easy for the witness to fall into conversation mode and forget to include the witness’s counsel in the equation. If needed, counsel could hold up a finger when he or she intends to object to remind the witness to wait.

Witnesses also should be aware that the questioning attorney often will ask if the witness has any materials with them during the deposition. If so, these materials likely will have to be provided to the other side.

Overall, being more comfortable and familiar with the process than your opposition will be to your advantage and will allow you to focus on substance rather than the logistics. Remote depositions are likely to be around for a while. Embrace them!

Covid-19 Ushers in Changes for Court Reporting

Posted on: November 23rd, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

Anyone who has been involved in a lawsuit knows the time and expense involved in taking depositions of witnesses. CourtScribes.com knows that typically you go to a lawyer’s office, the parties and witnesses in the case are asked, under oath, to tell what they know or have seen and their testimony is transcribed by a certified shorthand reporter. It is put in booklet form for later use in court.

Some depositions are videotaped, which adds considerable expenses to the process.

Why is This Important

Depositions are an important fact-finding element of litigation. But they can be a real hassle. Having to drive long distances, fighting traffic, and running up attorney fees even before the depositions begin is part of the problem. And then there are the certified shorthand reporter’s charges which typically run from $1,000 – $2,000 per deposition.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an easier way of attending a deposition? It would be even nicer if there was a way for a lawyer to file a lawsuit, and take deposition with the understanding that if the case were lost, nothing would be owed to the agency that provided the shorthand reporter, that person being paid by the agency itself.

Thank Covid-19

One of the benefits that have come out of Covid-driven lockdowns is a new way of taking a deposition where the parties, witnesses, and lawyers don’t have to go anywhere. Now a deposition can be taken right from your home. If it is not taken from the home, at the very least it can be taken at the attorney’s office. This is not only convenient, but it can guarantee that the proper actions are taken during a sketchy pandemic situation.

Will Remote Court Appearances Become the Norm

Posted on: October 5th, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

As COVID-19 sticks around and we prepare for the ‘second wave’ this winter, we are discovering that a lot of the social distancing measures that are being taken are actually more convenient than their original counterparts when it comes to legal situations like litigation and more. One of these legal situations is court appearances.

In this ‘COVID World’, the use of remote court appearances has become a blessing for attorneys and judges. It has allowed them to become even more efficient than ever before. Overcrowding in courtrooms is a thing of the past. Attorneys are becoming much more flexible with their time and even more efficient at their job. It can be as simple as having a scheduled video call between the attorneys. Then, a judge could simply dial into the video and conduct the trial right then and there.

What are the Benefits of Conducting Legal Business Remotely

One of the top issues for attorneys is the ability to schedule cases and conduct multiple trials from different places. Travel times lead to incredible difficulties. This is especially true in situations like peak traffic times and during severe weather. However, these new social distancing rules are not only allowing for safety from COVID-19, but they are allowing for better flexibility with time! All costs of litigation should decrease and this should not only save the attorney’s costs but the clients’ money as well.

Can Judges Benefit from Remote Court Appearances

It seems quite apparent that attorneys and their clients will save plenty of money in litigation fees through ‘Remote Court Appearances’, but what about judges? As you know, Judges typically reside in one area to conduct most of their work. Well, now remote appearances can allow a judge to just dial into a video session.

There is no longer any outer noise that will distract any of the participants in the case. There is no worry about contracting COVID-19. There is no fear of violent outbursts. All videos, recordings, depositions, and other information will be backed up and saved into an online database for judges to retrieve. If this is something that you can benefit from, CourtScribes.com takes care of all the support inquiries, transitions between cases, and even create private rooms quickly for a judge to talk to an attorney. Contact CourtScribes now to see what they can do for you.

Remote Court Appearances & Remote Depositions

Posted on: May 7th, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

CourtScribes knows it’s difficult in these times to find resources willing to aid you in any lawful manner. However, we are offering the best remote depositions and remote court appearances available! COVID-19 is bringing some difficult times upon the United States. That doesn’t stop the court system. In these situations, you still need depositions for your case. CourtScribes is among the nations leaders when it comes to remote depositions. Also, they have the best video technology so you don’t have to worry about a court appearance.

We at CourtScribes value costumer service. We take care of your case with precise and perfect video records. Don’t worry about any manner of your proceeding to be missed; Regardless the complexity. In this time of social distancing, some of these cases can be extremely chaotic. You can rest assure that with our top of the line, industry leading technology, your case will be handled with perfection. It is very important to have people ready and willing to handle remote depositions in situations where professional law firms are trying to get ahead of you. In order to efficiently balance all of your testimonials and manage your time precisely, you’ll need experts like the CourtScribes.

Whether you need video streaming, quality transcripts, or even just a simple witness deposition, CourtScribes handles every manner of your proceeding with care. Finding a company that will take care of your Remote Depositions and Remote Court Appearances may be difficult during the coronavirus pandemic. The CourtScribes Remote Court Appearance service integrates 24/7 operator assisted support and remote technology to facilitate efficient and easy-to-use telephonic appearances at no cost to the Court. Our service provides flexibility and great cost savings for attorneys while helping courts with overcrowding issues and general efficiency. If you need a Remote Court Deposition or Remote Court Appearance handled, call 1-833-SCRIBES today!

Florida Court System Steadily Working Through Pandemic

Posted on: April 27th, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

Everything is quite complicated when solving the issues of our current court system through this pandemic. However, with diligence and patience, the Florida Court System has been steadily working through. There is quite a long list of cases that has built up due to COVID-19. That is why Florida court systems, such as the Palm Beach County court system has done great work to minimize the amount of hearings, appearances and people within the jails quite well over this period of turmoil.

Workgroups Created and Coordinated

In order for all of this to have played out strategically, the courts developed a system between remote and on-site workers. Judges, judicial assistants, court staff and partners and many more have been using proper methods of social distancing. Also, thanks to the offset use of teleworking and rotating teams of on-site workers, the virus has been spreading at very minimal amounts. This reduction of person to person contact has allowed these determined workers to continue their job and aid in this very difficult time. These workgroups are consulting public health experts with the ability of handling pandemics and managing exactly what people should do. With the help of these officials, they are able to propose actions and hearings. They are then able to report these actions through state court administrators as soon as they are developed.

Milestones During a Pandemic

Within Palm Beach County, the court system has been diligently working in order to lessen the huge load of work that will return once the pandemic crisis is averted. With the help of teleworking and rotating on-site people, hearing and appearances have been physically and virtually happening. Thankfully, the jail populations have been decreasing, orders are being made, paperwork is being handled and judges are able to reside over many hearings. As long as these court workers are able to work in good health, the court systems shouldn’t be overwhelmed upon the opening of the country.

Posts Tagged ‘COVID-19’