Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_95-cv-01500/USCOURTS-caed-2_95-cv-01500-29/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 535
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Death Penalty
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Ptn for Writ of H/C - Stay of Execution

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

GERALD F. STANLEY,

Petitioner, No. CIV S-95-1500 FCD GGH P

vs.

EDDIE YLST, Acting DEATH PENALTY CASE

Warden of the California State Prison

at San Quentin,

Respondent. ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO PRESENT

 / WITNESS TESTIMONY BY DEPOSITION

Petitioner has filed a motion seeking leave to take the deposition of a witness,

Edna Franich, and seeking to use the deposition in lieu of live testimony at the evidentiary

hearing. “On application for a writ of habeas corpus evidence may be taken orally or by

deposition . . . .” 28 U.S.C. § 2246. The rules authorize the use of depositions in lieu of live

testimony when “the witness” is unable to attend or testify because of age, illness, [or] infirmity.” 

Fed. R. Civ. P. § 32(a)(3)(B) and (C). Petitioner supported his motion with a declaration stating

that the witness is unable to attend an evidentiary hearing because she is elderly, ill and infirm. 

Respondent does not object to the use of a deposition in lieu of live testimony. However,

respondent urges that the deposition be videotaped.

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Case 2:95-cv-01500-JAM-CKD Document 681 Filed 04/07/06 Page 1 of 2
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Respondent’s argument that the deposition be videotaped is well taken. First, the

Federal Rules provide a preference for audio or videotaped depositions when they are to be

presented to the trier of fact. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 32(c). Morever, unless the subject of the

testimony is ministerial, e.g, document authentication deposition, the non-verbal cues given by a

witness in answering a question are often very important to the witness’ credibility. Did the

witness answer with certainty? “Yes” can be said in many different ways, but can only be printed

as “yes.” Was the witness guessing? Did the witness respond only because a question was

leading? Did the witness look confused? These and other important testimony cues are missing

when only the black and white of the transcript are reviewed.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that petitioner’s motion is GRANTED with the

provision that the deposition be videotaped.

Dated: 4/7/06 /s/ Gregory G. Hollows

__________________________________

GREGORY G. HOLLOWS

U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE

stan1500.dep

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