Opinion ID: 1624316
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Preparation of Videotape Transcript

Text: Wheeler contends that the trial judge had authority to order preparation of transcript of evidence for appeal. He frames the issue as whether the trial judge has statutory authority to order the preparation of a transcript for use in a capital appeal. He asserts that the trial judge could exercise her discretion to order the preparation of a transcript to be used for the preparation and presentation of the case on appeal. We find this argument to be without merit. Although the trial judge would have discretion in ordering a transcript, we find it unnecessary that one be produced in this case. The use of videotaped records rather than the typewritten transcripts does not deny a defendant effective assistance of appellate counsel. Marshall v. Commonwealth, Ky., 60 S.W.3d 513 (2001). In fact, the use of the videotape could eliminate the possibility of errors in transcription and may in fact reveal errors that might be overlooked in a transcribed record. Marshall, supra . Wheeler has demonstrated no prejudice resulting to him from the use of a videotaped record without an additional typewritten transcript. He has been provided with a complete trial record pursuant to Britt v. North Carolina, 404 U.S. 226, 92 S.Ct. 431, 30 L.Ed.2d 400 (1971). The use of a videotape record does not deny Wheeler due process.