Requesting a court recording: a quick refresher.
Most hearings in Canada are recorded. In most provinces, the lawyer on the case can ask the court for the audio, for a small fee, without a court order. Pick your court below.
Ontario
Last updated
- 1. AskCounsel or paralegal of record: one form and undertaking.
- 2. PayCAD 22 or 23 for the first day, per case.
- 3. ReceiveA .dcr file, multi-channel or single channel. Ask for multi-channel.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Lawyers and paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, for hearings where they act for a party, and prosecutors. No court order is needed, with these exceptions: paralegals need an order in the Superior Court; family matters in the Superior Court need a judge's authorization first; Youth Criminal Justice Act matters need authorized counsel.
Self-represented parties, agents and the public need a court order. Ask for it on the other form below; the judge signs the box on it.
The form
Counsel or licensed paralegal of record:
Request Form/Undertaking of Counsel/Licensed Paralegal of Record to the Court for Access to Digital Court Recordings (PDF, dated 2023-01-01)
Not counsel of record? Use the court's other form:
Request Form/Undertaking to the Court for Access to Digital Court Recordings (PDF)
Tick the box for a separate recording of the interpretation if you want it. There is no extra fee.
Found on ontariocourts.ca as of
Where it goes
With the fee, to the court office at the courthouse where the hearing took place (the Superior Court calls it the recording management office). The official pages name no email address or portal; some offices accept email in practice. Ask the local office.
Watch out
Not released without an order: in camera or closed proceedings, Youth Criminal Justice Act matters, case, settlement and trial management conferences, Small Claims Court, and, in the Superior Court, every family event except a trial.
The recording "is not considered an official court record and cannot be used for appeal purposes".
The undertaking you sign is explained in plain words below.
The undertaking, in plain words
You may
- Use it to prepare and to supplement your notes.
- Share it with your legal team and a retained expert.
- Let your client listen in your presence.
You may not
- Give your client a copy.
- Copy or upload it anywhere other than computers under your control.
- Treat your notes or transcript as a court record.
Attesta runs on your own computer for exactly this reason.
The Court of Appeal for Ontario records open-court hearings too. Ask the Registrar's Office; you pay the regulated fee and sign an undertaking. We found no form for it.
The fee
Ontario Court of Justice: CAD 22 for one day's recording, per case, and CAD 10.50 for each extra day of the same case. Superior Court: CAD 23 and CAD 11. The lower extra-day fee applies only when all the days are ordered at the same time and have already taken place.
as of
What you receive
The form says "on CD". In practice, offices often send the file electronically, usually a .dcr, the court recording system's own format (Liberty). The court's pages do not name the format; this is practice.
A .dcr can be multi-channel or single channel. Ask for multi-channel.
How long
The court does not say. One lawyer told us the form takes about five minutes and the recording often arrives within a day. That is experience, not the court's policy.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
The undertaking names "replacing or supplementing notes" as a permitted use. That is what Attesta is for.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
British Columbia
Last updated
- 1. AskLawyer of record: online through ACM, or form ADM 859.
- 2. PayWe found no published fee.
- 3. ReceiveA download. An MP3 on request for Mac.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Lawyers of record, for Provincial Court and Supreme Court matters, by signing the court's undertaking. The accused, parties and the public need a court order: use the Court Record Access Request Form with a draft access order, and send it to the registry. The Court of Appeal never releases a copy of its recording.
Closed hearings and anything under a sealing order also need a court order.
The form
Provincial Court: online, through Access to Court Materials (ACM), with your Law Society of BC digital lawyer credential in the BC Wallet app.
Supreme Court:
Undertaking of Counsel (Copy of Digital Audio Recording) (form ADM 859)
Not counsel:
Court Record Access Request Form for Criminal and Civil Proceedings (PDF, Supreme Court)
Found on gov.bc.ca as of
Where it goes
Provincial Court: you submit and endorse the undertaking inside ACM. Supreme Court: the registry where the case was heard.
Watch out
The undertaking allows "an unofficial transcript to be used for internal purposes", on your firm's own computers, and forbids uploading any part to the Internet. If you quote it in submissions, say that it comes from an unofficial transcript.
Your client may listen and read only in your presence. Delete the recording by the date you gave.
The fee
We found no fee published in the court's policy or on the form. Ask the registry.
as of
What you receive
Provincial Court: a download from ACM (the court calls its system DARS). Mac users can email ASKACM@gov.bc.ca, quoting the request number, to get an MP3 copy. Supreme Court: the court does not say what file you receive.
How long
The court does not say. ACM is described as on demand for lawyers.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
The court's own undertaking allows an unofficial transcript for internal use.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Alberta
Last updated
- 1. AskLaw Society member: one form and undertaking.
- 2. PayCAD 25 search, CAD 25 first day, CAD 10 each extra day.
- 3. ReceiveThe court does not say what file.
- 4. Open in AttestaRead your undertaking first.
Who can ask
Members of the Law Society of Alberta, for Court of Justice and Court of King's Bench matters, by signing the undertaking on the form. Others need a court order. The Court of Appeal releases its recordings only in "exceptional circumstances".
The form
Request for Court Audio Recording and Undertaking to the Court (one form for both courts)
Found on albertacourts.ca as of
Where it goes
The form does not say where to send it. Ask the court office where the case was heard.
Watch out
The undertaking says "I will not copy, save, upload or download the digital recording" and "I will not publish, broadcast, reproduce or otherwise disseminate" it. Nothing in it lets your client listen. Destroy the recording when the purpose ends.
The fee
CAD 25 search fee, plus CAD 25 for the first day of recording and CAD 10 for each extra day (printed on the form).
as of
What you receive
The court does not say what file you receive.
How long
The court does not say. The form has a "Date Required" box.
Read your undertaking before you transcribe.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Saskatchewan
Last updated
- 1. AskLawyer of record, King's Bench criminal: Form A.
- 2. PayWe found no published fee.
- 3. ReceiveA storage device, returned within 90 days.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Court of King's Bench, criminal matters: the Crown or defence lawyer of record, by form and undertaking. Others need a court order. Provincial Court: the published route is an application by the public and the media; we found no published route for counsel.
The form
Request by Lawyer of Record for a Copy of the Recording of a Proceeding (King's Bench Criminal Practice Directive 7, Form A)
Found on sasklawcourts.ca as of
Where it goes
The Local Registrar at the judicial centre where the case was heard.
Watch out
You may transcribe or convert the recording to text only as "necessary and incidental" to your role as counsel. Only members of your office may access it. Do not share it with your client.
The fee
We found no fee published. Ask the registrar.
as of
What you receive
A data storage device, which you return to the registrar within 90 days unless the court extends the time. The court does not say what file is on it.
How long
The court does not say.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
Use it for your own preparation, within your office.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Manitoba
Last updated
- 1. AskLawyer: request and undertaking by email.
- 2. PayCAD 23 a month, or CAD 25 a device.
- 3. ReceiveFTR files, not .dcr.
- 4. Open in AttestaAfter one conversion step.
Who can ask
Lawyers, by request and undertaking, through the Transcription Services Unit. The published route covers criminal courtrooms in Winnipeg. For anything else, ask the registry.
The form
Request for Access to Court Recordings (dated 2018-11)
Undertaking for Access to Court Digital Audio (dated 2018-11)
The forms are dated November 2018. Ask the unit whether there is a newer version.
Found on manitobacourts.mb.ca as of
Where it goes
Email both forms to tsu@gov.mb.ca, subject line "Request for Court Audio", with the date, courtroom and case name. You get a login to a secure file transfer site and an email when the files are ready. Download within 10 days.
Watch out
The undertaking lets you copy or transcribe only as far as "reasonably necessary" for representing your client, and lets your client access the recording under your personal direction. Order official transcripts from the Transcription Services Unit.
The fee
CAD 23 a month for the download site (cancel by email at least five working days before month end). On a device: CAD 25 per device (Court Services Fees Regulation, M.R. 150/2021, s. 3(f)).
as of
What you receive
Zipped FTR files that play in the Windows FTR Player, plus the clerk's log sheet. They are not .dcr files.
How long
The current form does not say. An older notice promised the files "before noon the next business day".
Then open it in Attesta, after one step.
Attesta opens .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A, not FTR files. Ask the Transcription Services Unit whether it can give you a WAV or MP3 copy, then open that in Attesta.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Quebec
Last updated
- 1. AskAnyone, no court order: by email, mail or at the counter.
- 2. PayCAD 10.70 up to 25 minutes, then CAD 0.35 a minute.
- 3. ReceiveAn audio file by email, or a CD.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Anyone: parties, counsel, the media and the public, without a court order (Règlement de la Cour du Québec, art. 36), unless a rule or an order says otherwise. Youth protection and adoption matters need the court's authorization. The Court of Appeal gives its recordings in audio only, for a fee.
The form
Demande de reproduction des débats judiciaires (SJ-021, in French, 2026-09)
Application for the Reproduction of Judicial Hearings (SJ-021A, in English, 2026-09)
Tick "Repiquage" and the format you want: audio file by email, audio CD or data CD.
Found on quebec.ca as of
Where it goes
By email, by mail or at the counter of the registry of any judicial district, not only the district of the file. The registry contacts you with the fee and how to pay.
Watch out
Publication bans and in camera orders apply. The form carries no undertaking about copying or transcription.
The fee
CAD 10.70 for up to 25 minutes, then CAD 0.35 a minute from the 26th minute (Tarif S-33, r. 1, art. 10, indexed 2026-01-01). A three-hour day comes to about CAD 65.
as of
What you receive
An audio file by email, or a CD. The court does not say what file type.
How long
The court does not say; the form says times vary with the type of reproduction.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
In Quebec, anyone can buy the audio, and you can ask for it by email.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
New Brunswick
Last updated
- 1. AskA judge's order for everyone, lawyers included.
- 2. PayCAD 20 per copy.
- 3. ReceiveAudio or video, up to five business days after the decision.
- 4. Open in AttestaRead your undertaking first.
Who can ask
Everyone needs a judge's order, lawyers included (Recording of Evidence Act, s. 14). You apply on the form; the court decides and tells you.
The form
Transcript Order Form / Request for Purchase of a Court Recording (bilingual)
Tick "Request to purchase COURT RECORDING".
Found on gnb.ca as of
Where it goes
The regional Court Services office. The offices are listed on the gnb.ca transcripts page.
Watch out
The form says the recording "may not be transcribed or published in any document, broadcast, or transmitted in any way, and may not be provided to a third party".
New Brunswick's standard terms do not allow transcription. Ask the judge for terms that fit your preparation.
The fee
CAD 20 per copy of the recording.
as of
What you receive
An audio or video recording. The court does not say what file type.
How long
Up to five business days after the court's decision.
Read your undertaking before you transcribe.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Nova Scotia
Last updated
- 1. AskAnyone in most cases: in person or by fax.
- 2. PayCAD 22.57 plus HST per USB stick or CD.
- 3. ReceiveDigital files on USB or CD, up to 10 business days.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
The public and the media in most cases, with no court order. Exceptions: sealed recordings, Youth Criminal Justice Act matters, Domestic Violence Intervention Act matters (parties and their lawyers only), historical Family Court files. In the Supreme Court (Family Division), a non-party must first give the parties written notice.
The form
Request for Copies of Audio Recording of Court Proceedings (revised 2023-03-31)
Fill it in on screen, then print and sign it.
Found on courts.ns.ca as of
Where it goes
In person or by fax to the administration office of the courthouse where the hearing was held. You are called when it is ready for pick-up.
Watch out
The undertaking on the form: no broadcast or distribution without a judge's consent; no more than three copies; and you will not "transcribe or distribute or use any of the Judge's remarks" without giving the judge the typed transcript for approval first. So keep any notes of the judge's remarks for your own preparation.
The fee
CAD 22.57 plus HST for each USB stick or CD. A log sheet is CAD 1 plus HST. The court may ask for a deposit.
as of
What you receive
Digital audio files on a USB stick or CD. The court does not say what file type.
How long
Up to 10 business days.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
Count your copies: the undertaking allows three.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Prince Edward Island
Last updated
- 1. AskCounsel of record: the undertaking alone.
- 2. PayWe found no published fee.
- 3. ReceiveA CD, returned within 60 days of the end of the case.
- 4. Open in AttestaRead your undertaking first.
Who can ask
Provincial Court: counsel of record, by undertaking alone (no application). Other lawyers need a letter of authorization from the accused or counsel, plus the undertaking. The accused, journalists and the public need a court order. Anyone may listen at a registry with public listening facilities. For the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal we found no published policy.
The form
Access to Digital Record Policy and Forms (2018-05-24; the application, the order and the Crown and defence undertakings are in this one PDF)
Found on courts.pe.ca as of
Where it goes
The Provincial Court office. CDs go back to the Chief Clerk of the Provincial Court, Charlottetown.
Watch out
The defence undertaking says "The Digital Audio Recording- CD will not be copied for any reason", and the CD must be returned within 60 days of the end of the case, appeals included.
The fee
We found no fee published. Ask the Provincial Court office.
as of
What you receive
A "Digital Audio Recording - CD".
How long
The court does not say.
Read the undertaking before you copy anything from the CD.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Newfoundland and Labrador
Last updated
- 1. AskA party signs the undertaking. The public, for open hearings.
- 2. PayCAD 20 per CD, paid in advance.
- 3. ReceiveA CD. Not collected in 30 days, it is destroyed.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Supreme Court: a party, by signing the undertaking, for any trial or hearing, open or closed; a member of the public, for any open hearing not under a restriction. Non-parties in family matters apply to a judge. No copies of case management, settlement or pre-trial conferences without an order. Provincial Court: by form or online; the court's page does not say who may ask.
The form
Provincial Court:
Request for Copies of Audio Recording of Court Proceedings (PDF)
Supreme Court: Appendix E is the request and Appendix F the undertaking.
Guide to Accessing Court Proceedings and Records (PDF)
Found on court.nl.ca as of
Where it goes
Provincial Court: online, or at the court office. Supreme Court: IMDivision@supreme.court.nl.ca or the registry counter.
Watch out
Supreme Court undertaking: use only for an appeal transcript, for preparation in the proceeding, or to confirm what happened. You may share it with lawyers, staff, transcriptionists and experts. And: "I will not copy, save, upload, or download the sound recording, except onto a computer under my control, for my own personal use".
The fee
CAD 20 per CD, paid in advance and not refundable. The Supreme Court also lists a CAD 20 search fee.
as of
What you receive
A CD. The court does not say what file type. CDs not collected within 30 days are destroyed.
How long
Provincial Court online orders: mailed within 5 to 7 business days. Supreme Court: the court does not say.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
The undertaking's "computer under my control" wording matches a local install.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Yukon
Last updated
- 1. AskLaw Society of Yukon member: request and undertaking.
- 2. PayNo fee stated for a file transfer.
- 3. ReceiveA file by secure file transfer.
- 4. Open in AttestaRead your undertaking first.
Who can ask
Members of the Law Society of Yukon, for Supreme Court and Territorial Court matters, by request form and undertaking. Others apply with a draft order (Form 54A).
The form
Undertaking of Counsel (Copy of a Digital Audio Recording) (PDF, 2025)
The request form is "Request for a Copy of a Digital Audio Recording". Ask the registry for it.
Form 54A, Draft Order for Copy of Recording of Court Proceeding (Supreme Court, for people who are not counsel)
Found on yukoncourts.ca as of
Where it goes
The court registry, which keeps the signed undertaking.
Watch out
The undertaking says you will not "use the Recording for the preparation of unofficial transcripts of the proceedings". Your client may listen in your presence but you may not give them a copy.
Yukon's undertaking does not allow unofficial transcripts. Listen to the recording, and ask the court if you need more.
The fee
No fee is stated for a secure file transfer. For a flash drive the court says "A cost may be associated with this service."
as of
What you receive
A file by secure file transfer. The court does not say what file type.
How long
The court does not say.
Read your undertaking before you transcribe.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Northwest Territories
Last updated
Who can ask
We found no published route for a copy of the audio. Ask the court registry whether counsel may have the recording.
The fee
Transcripts are sold at CAD 2 a page.
as of
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Nunavut
Last updated
- 1. AskParties: a request form to the registry.
- 2. PayA fee is required. The amount is not published.
- 3. ReceiveAudio files.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Parties, through the registry of the Nunavut Court of Justice. The court now provides audio files instead of transcripts and says: "We encourage parties to use these audio files with a transcriptionist of their choice."
The form
The registry's request form. The link on the court's page did not work on 2026-11-02, so ask the registry for the form.
Found on nunavutcourts.ca as of
Where it goes
Email NCJ.Transcripts@gov.nu.ca, with the fee.
Watch out
The court's access policy is under review, and its terms are not published.
The fee
A fee is required. The court does not publish the amount. Ask the registry.
as of
What you receive
Audio files. The court does not say what file type.
How long
The court does not say.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
The court invites parties to use the audio files for their own transcripts.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Federal Court, Tax Court, Supreme Court of Canada
Last updated
- 1. AskParties on request: a form to the registry.
- 2. PayCAD 15 per recording.
- 3. ReceiveA copy of the court's audio file.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Federal Court: parties and the media on request (one copy for each party), the public at the presiding judge's discretion.
Federal Court of Appeal: parties on request; the media and the public need a court order.
Supreme Court of Canada: hearings are webcast and archived online for anyone to watch. Copies are by request.
Tax Court: we found no published audio route; transcripts come from the reporting firm.
The form
Request for Copy of Audio Recording of a Federal Court Hearing (Federal Court: annex to the 2015 notice on the digital audio recording system)
Request Form for Access to Digital Audio Recordings of Federal Court of Appeal Hearings (Federal Court of Appeal)
Request to use Court photographs, webcasts or recordings (Supreme Court of Canada, online)
Found on fct-cf.ca, fca-caf.ca, scc-csc.ca as of
Where it goes
Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal: the local Registry office. The 2015 Federal Court notice says in person or by fax; ask whether email is accepted. Supreme Court: the online request.
Watch out
Crown copyright; no broadcast or distribution without the Court's written consent. Federal Court of Appeal: the requester undertakes "not to reproduce, broadcast or distribute" the copy, and oral reasons are redacted. At the Federal Court, parties and the media may make two extra copies; the public none.
The fee
Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal: CAD 15 per recording (Tariff A, s. 1(4)). Listening at the Federal Court of Appeal is free. Supreme Court: a CAD 35 media fee may apply for a DVD.
as of
What you receive
A copy of the recording from the court's Digital Audio Recording System (DARS); the court does not say what file type. Supreme Court: streaming video, or a DVD on request.
How long
The court does not say. The Registry contacts you when the copy is ready.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
For the Federal Court of Appeal, read the undertaking's "reproduce" term first.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Federal courts
Last updated
- 1. AskCheck the docket first, or ask the clerk.
- 2. PayUSD 2.40 on PACER, or USD 34 from the clerk.
- 3. ReceiveAn MP3 or a WAV file.
- 4. Open in AttestaOpen it on your own laptop. Nothing leaves it.
Who can ask
Anyone. Parties and their lawyers get one free look at any audio the judge posts on the docket. Sealed hearings need a judge's order. Where a court reporter took the record, there is usually no court audio to buy; order the transcript.
Check the docket first
Many magistrate and bankruptcy judges post hearing audio on the docket as "PDF with attached Audio File". Open the docket in PACER, open that entry, and save the MP3 attachment from the PDF (Adobe Reader: the paper-clip icon, right-click, Save Attachment). Save it the first time; a second look costs again.
The form
If it is not on the docket:
Audio Recording Order (form AO 436)
Some courts have their own form. The District of Massachusetts and the Northern District of California use online forms that send you to Pay.gov.
Found on uscourts.gov as of
Where it goes
The Clerk of Court of the court that heard the case. Some courts take the request as a CM/ECF filing, and some through an online form.
Watch out
The audio is not the official record; only the certified transcript is, and an appeal needs the transcript. The audio is not redacted before posting; counsel may move to seal. We found no undertaking about copying or cloud use in federal forms. Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court post oral argument audio free as MP3.
The fee
PACER: USD 2.40 per audio file, plus docket page fees. A copy from the clerk: USD 34 per recording (District Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule, item 5, effective 2023-12-01); some courts charge it per 80-minute CD.
as of
What you receive
PACER: an MP3 inside a PDF. Clerk: CD, MP3 or WAV. Ask for MP3 or WAV, not a native FTR file.
How long
PACER: one bankruptcy court says by the second business day after the judge decides to post it. Clerk copies: the courts do not say.
Then open it in Attesta.
Open it in Attesta, on your own laptop, and read the hearing as a transcript you can search. It reads .dcr, MP3, WAV and M4A as they are.
Attesta opens the MP3 as it is.
A guide, not legal advice. Forms and fees change, and the court office has the last word. If a link has moved, search for the form's title on the court's site.
Tell us if a link is out of date: inquiries@ahura-acta.com
Questions people ask.
Is the recording the official record?
No, and that is fine for preparation. Use it to refresh your memory and build your case. When you need to file something, order the certified transcript.
Do I need a court order?
Often not. In most provinces, counsel of record can ask with the court's form and undertaking, with no order. Some courts are open to anyone, and a few ask for a judge's order first. Your court's card tells you which.
How much does it cost?
A small court fee, and little next to what you get: a full record of your hearing to replay, search and build your case on. Your court's card shows the exact fee.
How long does it take?
Often quickly. Most courts do not give a time, and one Ontario lawyer told us the recording often arrived within a day. Ask the office when you submit the form.
Can my client have a copy?
Often your client can listen with you in the room. Most undertakings keep the copy with counsel, so read yours. It is a good way to go through the hearing together.
Can I use an online transcription service?
Check your undertaking first: many keep the recording on your own computers. That is why Attesta runs on your laptop. Nothing is uploaded or sent to us.
What is a .dcr file?
It is the file format of the Liberty court recording system. Ontario lawyers usually receive their recording in it. Most everyday players cannot open it. Attesta can.
Try it on one of your own hearings.
A short demo, then we help you install it on your own computer.