How may depositions be transcribed or recorded?

• A. Transcribed or recorded on videotape or audiotape
• B. Only by written transcript
• C. On videotape or audiotape
• D. Not recorded

Answer: (A)

Depositions can be captured in two main ways: as a written transcript produced by a court reporter, and as an audiovisual recording on video or audio. The best answer reflects both possibilities, recognizing that you may rely on a precise written transcript, a verbatim video or audio recording, or both for the same deposition. This flexibility is essential because transcripts are handy for exact wording and indexing, while audiovisual records preserve nonverbal cues and the actual proceedings. Saying depositions are only by a written transcript or only by video/audio misses valid methods, and stating they aren’t recorded ignores the common practice of videotaped or audiotaped depositions.