process discovery
When do depositions require a court reporter?
<p>I've looked at some rules of civil procedure that suggest that a deposition must always be attended by a court reporter.</p>

<p>But my impression (perhaps resulting from too much TV) was that depositions these days are normally just videotaped, and the tape shared with both parties.  Is that just fiction?  Or is it allowed – or even customary?</p>

<p>Depositions must always be attended by a court reporter in every jurisdiction I have ever encountered (including Colorado, New York, California, Wyoming and Florida). Alaska may be an exception. Its state constitution creates a right to participate in many kinds of legal and legislative proceedings remotely because the distances involved are often so great.</p>
<p>The court reporter administers an oath to the witness, keeps track of exhibits, impartially records what happens (usually stenographically and with an audiotape) and then reduces it to a transcript later, a process assisted by having been there when the testimony was given (and allowing for the court reporter, for example, to request spellings of words during breaks).</p>
<p>A videotape can be used in addition to the court reporter and sometimes this is done when it would be helpful for understanding a highly visual topic (e.g. in a patent case where someone is explaining a 3D object) or when a witness is expected to behave badly or is known for problematic voice character or body language.</p>
<p>Court proceedings in a courtroom are often audiotaped with a judge present but without a live court reporter present. Appellate court arguments are frequently live streamed over the Internet.</p>
<p>There may be some jurisdictions where it is possible to have an oath administered by a notary and simply audiotape or videotape the deposition, but that would be very rare in every jurisdiction of which I am aware.</p>

<p>A court reporter isn't strictly required in CA. (See <a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2011/ccp/part-4/2093-2094/2093/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">CA Civ Pro Code § 2093</a>)  Oaths can be administered by a notary, for example. But the <em>default</em> under the code is to require a court reporter.</p>
<p>Code of Civil Procedure - CCP
PART 4. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS [1855 - 2107]  ( Heading of Part 4 amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 299. )</p>
<p>TITLE 4. CIVIL DISCOVERY ACT [2016.010 - 2036.050]  ( Title 4 added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 182, Sec. 23. )</p>
<p>CHAPTER 9. Oral Deposition Inside California [2025.010 - 2025.620]</p>
<p><a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=2025.330." rel="nofollow noreferrer">ARTICLE 3. Conduct of Deposition [2025.310 - 2025.340]</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>(b) <em>Unless the parties agree or the court orders otherwise</em>, the
testimony, as well as any stated objections, <strong>shall</strong> be taken
stenographically. If taken stenographically, it shall be by a person
certified pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 8020) of
Chapter 13 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>In California a deposition does NOT need a court reporter.  A notary public must be present to administer an oath. The proceedings can be recorded by video/audio or the notary can take hand notes.</p>
