CLVS flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

FRCP 30(b)(3) recording methods

Under the Federal Rules, a deposition may be recorded by audio, audiovisual, or stenographic means unless the court orders otherwise, and the noticing party must state the method.

FRCP 30(b)(4) court order

A party may seek a court order for deposition by remote means or another recording method; the order addresses the manner and may impose conditions.

Deposition notice contents

The notice states the time, place, deponent, and recording method; a subpoena may require documents, and local rules may add video notice requirements.

Pre-flight equipment check

Before recording, verify camera, recorder, microphones, media, power, time-date settings, and playback; record and review a short test clip.

Media capacity rule

Confirm free space exceeds the expected recording duration plus a margin; use redundant cards or drives and label each medium with case and sequence.

Time-date stamp decision

Follow jurisdiction or stipulation: if a stamp is required, set correct local time and date before recording; if prohibited, disable it and document the setting.

Chain of custody start

Label original media with case, date, operator, and sequence; secure or seal it; record transfer times and signatures to support later authentication.

Head-and-shoulders framing

Frame the witness from mid-chest to above the head with eyes on the upper third; keep the composition consistent and the background neutral.

Eye-level camera rule

Place the lens at the witness eye level to avoid distortion or intimidating angles; level the tripod and keep the horizon straight.

Locked manual exposure

Disable automatic exposure and white balance; set them manually and lock them so brightness does not shift when the witness moves.

White balance procedure

White-balance to the scene illumination using a white card; match all cameras and rebalance if lighting changes during the proceeding.

Continuous recording rule

Start recording before examination and stop after conclusion; do not pause during testimony; note breaks and timecodes to support record integrity.

Slating deposition

Record a slate with case caption, date, location, operator, and participants when required; an end slate documents the conclusion and follows jurisdiction.

Lavalier placement

Clip the microphone 6 to 8 inches below the chin on a lapel or tie; dress the cable to avoid rubbing and use a windscreen.

Backup audio track

Record a primary lavalier plus a backup microphone or camera mic; monitor both so speech is preserved if the primary fails or clips.

Digital audio levels

Aim for average speech around -18 to -12 dBFS with peaks below -6 dBFS; never hit 0 dBFS, and monitor with headphones.

Three-point lighting

Use key, fill, and backlight: key at about 45 degrees, softer fill opposite, and backlight to separate the witness from the background.

Color temperature match

Match white balance to lighting: tungsten is about 3200 K and daylight about 5600 K; mixed sources cause color casts and flicker.

Flicker avoidance

Set shutter to 1/60 second for 60 Hz power or 1/50 second for 50 Hz; test LED and fluorescent fixtures for banding before recording.

Timecode log

Record start and end timecodes for speakers, exhibits, objections, and breaks; note sync offsets to enable accurate transcript-video synchronization.

Original media preservation

Keep the original recording unedited and separate from working copies; document labels or checksums; deliver copies according to the agreement.

Backup 3-2-1 rule

Keep at least three copies on two media types with one off-site; verify copies by playback or checksum before releasing the original.

Deliverable format agreement

Confirm required codec, resolution, frame rate, media, and labeling before the deposition; deliver synchronized video and transcript when specified.

Exhibit documentation

Note each exhibit number, description, first appearance timecode, and sponsoring witness; cross-reference transcript pages for later synchronization.

Redaction standard

Redact only by court order or stipulation; preserve the original; document the redaction method and affected timecodes; do not alter substantive testimony.

Impartial recording duty

The legal video specialist records proceedings neutrally, avoids coaching or selective framing, treats all parties equally, and makes no off-record comments.

No substantive editing

Do not cut, rearrange, or alter testimony; only technical corrections allowed by stipulation or court order, with documentation, are permitted.

Confidentiality obligation

Do not disclose deposition content or materials except to authorized parties; secure media and communications and follow protective orders and local rules.

Conflict disclosure

Disclose prior relationships with parties, counsel, or witnesses that could affect impartiality; decline the assignment if a conflict cannot be waived.

Authentication testimony

Be prepared to testify that the recording accurately depicts the proceeding, equipment functioned properly, and the chain of custody was maintained.

Off-record limits

Stop recording only when all parties stipulate or the judge orders; announce resumption; document stop and start timecodes; do not record privileged conversations.

NCRA CLVS standards

CLVS certification involves legal video training, ethics, and examination; certificants follow NCRA standards and maintain competence and confidentiality.