Ruffin v. Banks

Miller, Judge.

The primary question on appeal is whether a party’s express refusal to participate in the takedown costs of a civil trial precludes that party from later compelling the court reporter to transcribe the trial. Since the parties who paid the takedown costs objected to the transcription, we hold that the trial court did not err in refusing to order the transcription.

In her 1996 will, Elma P. Ruffin bequeathed her husband Clifford V. Ruffin a life estate in her home and furnishings. A 1995 warranty deed, however, purportedly executed by Elma B. Ruffin, gave Elma’s son and grandson…