A court may authorize the use of electronic or photographic means for the preservation of the record or parts thereof.
Rule 1:14.Preservation of the Record.
Part One: General Rules Applicable to All Proceedings · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1:14 authorizes a court to use electronic or photographic means to preserve the record of a proceeding, or any part of it, in place of or alongside a traditional paper record.
Full Text of Rule 1:14
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1:14 is a short, permissive rule: it authorizes a court to preserve the record of a proceeding, or parts of it, using electronic or photographic means. The rule does not require any particular technology or method — it confirms that a court has authority to use these means when it chooses to.
Rule 1:14 works alongside the traditional reporting and transcript procedures in Rule 1:3, giving a court a second, modern option for keeping a reliable record without displacing the reporters and recording devices that rule already covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Virginia court use video or audio recordings instead of a paper transcript?
Yes. Rule 1:14 authorizes a court to use electronic or photographic means to preserve the record of a proceeding, or any part of it.
Does Rule 1:14 require courts to use electronic preservation methods?
No. The rule is permissive — it authorizes electronic or photographic preservation without requiring courts to adopt any particular method.
Does Rule 1:14 apply to the whole record or just part of it?
Either. The rule authorizes electronic or photographic preservation of the record “or parts thereof,” so a court may use it for the full record or only a portion.
Has Rule 1:14 been amended recently?
This source lists no recorded amendment history for Rule 1:14.
How does Rule 1:14 relate to the rule on court reporters?
It works alongside Rule 1:3, which governs sworn reporters and recording devices approved by the judge; Rule 1:14 separately confirms the court’s authority to preserve records electronically or photographically.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: electronic preservation of court record Virginiaphotographic record Virginia courtRule 1:14 Virginiarecording court proceedings preservationdigital court record Virginia