Rule 22. USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN COURTROOMS AND RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS · Last amended 2023 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 22.1 sets the technical ground rules for tendering audio and video evidence at trial, requiring files on a dedicated USB drive in a commonly playable format like Windows Media Player or VLC, clear labeling when multiple files are submitted, and advance delivery to court personnel when the judge requires it.
Full Text of Rule 22.1
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For purposes of this rule, the term “media” shall include both audio and video files.
(A) Proponents shall use their best reasonable efforts to tender files in a format that is playable in a current version of a commonly used media player, such as Windows® or VLC media player™.
(B) The files must be saved on a new or completely formatted USB flash drive that contains only the media files being tendered.
(C) Proponents of evidence who require a proprietary player and codecs shall make an effort to convert the media format to one playable by Windows Media Player or VLC media player or any other format designated by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The converted file shall be of similar quality that fairly and accurately depicts the recorded events. If the file cannot be converted, it will be up to the sound discretion of the trial judge to decide what formats are acceptable.
(D) If a proprietary player or codec is necessary to play the file, those files shall be included on the same USB drive as the media files or download instructions shall be included.
(E) Multiple files may be submitted on one USB drive but shall be titled in a way that makes it clear what exhibits they are.
(F) The trial judge, upon sufficient notice to the parties, may require that the media files be presented to court personnel a minimum time before the hearing or trial is scheduled to take place to ensure an effective presentation.
(G) Parties frequently appearing in court, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, public defenders, court reporters, and other attorneys are encouraged to contract with vendors to select products that produce output in commonly playable media formats creating non-proprietary formatted files.
(H) Nothing in this rule shall prohibit trial courts from mandating procedures by court order that would require the parties to upload media files to a secure server or case management system that would facilitate playback and transmission to the appellate courts.
Plain-English Summary
Getting a video or audio exhibit to play in the courtroom is its own kind of trial prep, and Rule 22.1 exists to head off the technical headaches. The rule asks proponents of media evidence to make an effort to tender files in a format that plays in a current, commonly used media player, like Windows Media Player or VLC, rather than something obscure.
The delivery method is specific: the files go on a new or fully wiped USB flash drive that holds nothing but the media being tendered, with each file titled clearly enough that it is obvious which exhibit it represents when more than one file is on the drive. If the original file needs a proprietary player or codec, the proponent should try to convert it to a standard format first, keeping the quality faithful to what was recorded; if conversion is not possible, the trial judge decides what formats will be accepted. When a proprietary player cannot be avoided, it has to travel on the same drive as the media, or the proponent has to include instructions for downloading it.
Judges also get a scheduling tool here: with enough notice to the parties, a trial judge can require that media files reach court personnel some minimum time before the hearing or trial, so everything is tested and ready to go before anyone is standing in front of a jury. And the rule leaves room for court systems to modernize further, expressly allowing trial courts to order parties to upload media files to a secure server or case management system instead of shuttling around physical drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What format should video or audio evidence be tendered in?
Proponents must use their best reasonable efforts to tender files in a format playable in a current version of a commonly used media player, such as Windows Media Player or VLC media player.
How should media evidence be delivered to the court?
On a new or completely formatted USB flash drive containing only the media files being tendered, with multiple files titled clearly enough to show what exhibit each one represents.
What happens if a media file requires a proprietary player or codec?
The proponent should make an effort to convert it to a format playable by Windows Media Player, VLC, or another format designated by the Administrative Office of the Courts, keeping similar quality to the original recording; if it cannot be converted, the trial judge decides what formats are acceptable.
Can a trial judge require media files to be submitted before the day of trial?
Yes, upon sufficient notice to the parties, the trial judge may require that media files be presented to court personnel a minimum time before the hearing or trial to ensure an effective presentation.
Can a court require parties to upload media files instead of using a USB drive?
Yes, nothing in the rule prohibits trial courts from mandating by court order that parties upload media files to a secure server or case management system.
Amendment History
Adopted effective August 24, 2023.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
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