Mississippi Court Reporting Requirements & Deposition Admissibility Standards

Mississippi operates as a licensed court reporter jurisdiction. When a stenographic deposition transcript is intended to serve as the official record for use in Mississippi courts, it must be prepared and certified by a properly credentialed Certified Court Reporter (CCR) recognized under the authority of the Mississippi Board of Certified Court Reporters and in compliance with the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure. A transcript prepared by an uncertified individual may be subject to evidentiary challenge if offered as the official record in motion practice, impeachment, or trial proceedings.

Under Mississippi Rule of Civil Procedure 28 and Rule 30, depositions must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the transcript must be properly certified by the officer before whom the testimony was given. The certification must affirm that the reporter accurately reported and transcribed the proceedings and was authorized to act in that capacity at the time of the deposition. Mississippi courts rely on the certified stenographic transcript as the controlling evidentiary record.

Remote depositions are permitted under Mississippi procedural rules by stipulation of the parties or court order. The use of remote technology does not alter the requirement that an official stenographic transcript be prepared and certified by a qualified Mississippi CCR when intended for court use. Audio or video recordings may supplement testimony but do not replace a properly certified transcript absent express agreement or judicial authorization.

For deposition transcripts intended for filing, dispositive motions, or trial presentation in Mississippi courts, retention of a properly credentialed CCR ensures statutory compliance and preserves admissibility.

Last reviewed: April 2026

State-Mandated Credentials

Credential Certified Court Reporter (CCR)

Status ✓ Required

Applies To Official stenographic deposition transcripts

Issuing Authority Mississippi Supreme Court

Admissibility Impact

Mississippi requires certification for official stenographic records.

Permitted Reporting Methods

Stenographic

Authorized

Video

Authorized

Audio

Limited

Digital

Limited

Remote Depositions

Remote depositions permitted.

Common Admissibility Pitfalls

⚠️ Using a stenographic reporter who does not hold an active Mississippi certification

⚠️ Assuming remote depositions eliminate certification requirements

⚠️ Improper or incomplete certification language

⚠️ Informal oath administration during remote proceedings

⚠️ Poor exhibit control or unclear exhibit references

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a state certification required for Minnesota depositions?

A: No. Minnesota does not require a state-issued court reporter certification for deposition transcripts to be admissible.

Q: Does remote testimony change credential requirements?

A: No. The state does not impose additional credential requirements for remote depositions.

Q: Can a videographer replace a stenographic transcript?

A: Video may supplement the record, but a certified transcript is often critical for motion practice, impeachment, and trial use.

Authoritative Sources

Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure (Depositions & Discovery)
Mississippi Rules of Evidence
Mississippi Supreme Court Rules & Administrative Orders