Michigan Trial Court Standards favor digital audio and video recording of court proceedings because “[d]igital recording enables the courts to establish a transcript management system that efficiently and effectively manages the life cycle of transcripts from initiation of the transcript request through the electronic or paper distribution and filing of the transcript.”
The Michigan Supreme Court, the State Court Administrative Office, and the Michigan Judicial Institute are increasing access to timely and cost-effective justice.
Faster turn-around times are possible now that courts can use Zoom to record for the Court’s recorder.
In Washtenaw, VanBuren, Oakland, Kalamazoo and other counties, audio and visual recordings of court proceedings are now available for around $20 within days of the hearings.
Step 1: Ask your court to consider adopting a “best practice” for providing quick turn-around of court recordings and transcripts.
Step 2: Review the Michigan Judicial Institute’s instructions on “Using Zoom to Record for the Court Reporter.”
Step 3: Adapt standard forms that have already been developed.
Click here for a sample Video Recording page from the 9th Judicial Circuit
Need Michigan Supreme Court Authority?
Your local court can also save expenses for burning discs and sending them in the mail by simply sending a .mp3 file of your public hearing. For example, in Federal Court, the download of the audio for your hearing is immediately available to download for $2.40.
Steven Stawski is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Standing Committee on Civil Procedure and the Courts. If you would like to contribute to discussions that simplify and improve access to justice–especially by highlighting courts that with existing “best practices”–then please send an e-mail to: info@stawskilawoffice.com