Opinion ID: 1865898
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Videotaped Testimony of Dr. Suga.

Text: Next, defendants allege error in the admission of the videotaped testimony of Dr. Suga because the video was altered. After Dr. Suga's deposition was videotaped, the video technician videotaped again three x-rays that Dr. Suga had referred to during his deposition to obtain the most accurate depiction of those X-rays. The x-rays were then inserted at the appropriate place in the deposition to correspond to Dr. Suga's reference to each respective x-ray. As a factual matter, the alteration of the video was insignificant. A review of the video makes it clear that Dr. Suga was referring to the x-rays during his deposition and the alteration simply provided the best possible picture of the x-rays. Defendants have not alleged that the alteration resulted in a misrepresentation or prejudice, thus we can find no error in the admission of the video. We must point out, however, that we in no way condone the practice of altering videotaped testimony. Any essential changes must be made with the full knowledge and consent of the parties and the trial court. Any practice which may destroy the accuracy of evidence, and which has the potential for abuse as does videotape recording, must be avoided if the integrity of the trial process is to be maintained.