In a case where the appeal itself has ­become the source of questions over recusals and quorum, an attorney for labor union leader John Dougherty argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for new law to keep video depositions confidential, so they are not used for purposes other than litigation.

The parties in Dougherty v. Heller, a defamation case, argued Monday before a partially appointed panel of the high court, on which only two elected justices were able to serve.