Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Chicago Senior Counsel Jonathan L. Federman authored "The What, Why, and How as to Bystander Reports" published by Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly in its First Quarter 2023 issue.
This article explores the purpose and contents of bystander's reports and when they are used. A bystander report is used to describe what happened and what was said in a court hearing or trial when transcripts are not available for a civil appeal or for purposes of supplementing the record. The appellant puts together the proposed bystander report, which should accurately reflect what evidence, testimony, argument, and ruling took place. The responding party has the opportunity to offer amendments or prepare their own proposed bystander report. However, even if an alternative is not prepared, a litigant may still object, provided the proposed bystander report does not accurately reflect what happened.
Mr. Federman is Senior Counsel in the Chicago office of Gordon & Rees and is a member of the Insurance and Commercial Litigation practice groups. His practice includes representation of insurance company clients in disputes arising out of commercial general liability, professional liability, business auto, directors and officers, and other types of insurance policies. Mr. Federman provides opinions and recommendations to insurer clients faced with a potential claim as well as representation in declaratory judgment litigation.
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