Legal Definitions - errata sheet

An errata sheet is a separate document attached to a deposition transcript. It provides the individual who gave the testimony (known as the deponent) with an opportunity to review the written record of their sworn statements and make any necessary corrections. This sheet clearly lists each proposed change, identifies where in the transcript the change should occur, and includes the specific reason for each correction.

• Example 1: Correcting a Factual Detail

  During a deposition for a property dispute, a witness stated that a fence was located "ten feet from the property line." However, upon reviewing the transcript, the witness realized they had misremembered and the fence was actually "twelve feet from the property line." They would use an errata sheet to correct this specific measurement, explaining that their initial recollection was inaccurate. This illustrates an errata sheet being used to amend a factual error in the deponent's testimony.

• Example 2: Clarifying Ambiguous Language

  In a deposition concerning a business contract, an executive testified about a meeting where "the terms were discussed." Later, reviewing the transcript, the executive realized this statement was too vague and could be misinterpreted. On an errata sheet, they might change it to "the payment terms were discussed," providing the reason that the original statement lacked sufficient specificity. This demonstrates how an errata sheet can be used to clarify ambiguous language, ensuring the written record precisely reflects the deponent's intended meaning.

• Example 3: Rectifying a Transcription Error

  A medical expert giving a deposition used a complex technical term, "idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis." When reviewing the transcript, they noticed the court reporter had mistakenly transcribed it as "idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis," omitting the 's'. The expert would complete an errata sheet to correct this transcription error, noting that the original transcript contained a misspelling of a medical term. This example shows an errata sheet being used to correct a mistake made by the transcriber, rather than an error in the deponent's original statement.