Texas Supreme Court Reviews AI-Generated Depositions with Video Verification
The Texas Supreme Court is reviewing AI-generated deposition transcripts verified by video evidence.
Why it matters: This review could lead to wider use of AI in legal depositions, improving efficiency while raising questions about transcript reliability in court proceedings.
- October 6, 2026: Texas Supreme Court heard In re Patrick Hughey, No. 25-0463, on AI-generated deposition transcripts.
- The case originated after trial court struck AI transcripts from Skribe.ai depositions lacking certified court reporters on April 1, 2025.
- National Court Reporters Association filed a brief warning AI transcripts lack reliability and urged legislative action over judicial changes.
- Institute for Constitutional AI Law argued the current procedural rules allow AI transcripts with safeguards like certified transcripts on demand.
On October 6, 2026, the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments in In re Patrick Hughey, No. 25-0463. The court is considering whether deposition transcripts generated by artificial intelligence (AI) without a certified court reporter can be admitted as evidence when supported by video verification.
The controversy began when Patrick Hughey used Skribe.ai, an AI deposition platform, to record corporate representative depositions without a certified shorthand reporter present. The trial court struck these AI transcripts on April 1, 2025, emphasizing existing court rules requiring certified reporters (LexCircuit).
The National Court Reporters Association submitted an amicus brief cautioning against accepting AI-generated transcripts. They argued such technology lacks the reliability of human reporters and that any change allowing AI in depositions should come from legislation, not courts. They stated, "Technology may assist the guardian of the record; it should not become the guardian of the record" (Frisco City).
Conversely, the Institute for Constitutional AI Law argued that current procedural rules already permit non-stenographic recording methods. It contends courts can require certified transcripts "for cause" to ensure accuracy, and that AI offers opportunities to improve deposition efficiency.
The Texas Supreme Court’s review suggests it may permit AI-generated transcripts when accompanied by synchronized video to verify accuracy. Such a ruling would mark a significant shift, potentially accelerating AI’s role in legal proceedings by balancing innovation with safeguards to protect the integrity of the record.
By the numbers:
- October 6, 2026 — Date of Texas Supreme Court oral arguments on AI depositions
- April 1, 2025 — Trial court struck AI deposition transcripts for lacking certified reporters
- No. 25-0463 — Case number for In re Patrick Hughey
Yes, but: The court has not yet ruled; concerns remain about accuracy and maintaining procedural safeguards during depositions recorded by AI.
What's next: A decision by the Texas Supreme Court is expected later in 2026, potentially setting precedent for AI use in depositions nationwide.