RMR Transcript Production & Formatting Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How should a court reporter handle simultaneous speakers during a proceeding?
- Note in the record that simultaneous speaking occurred and request speakers to speak one at a time (Correct answer)
- Transcribe only the loudest speaker
- Stop recording until one person stops talking
- Combine both speakers' words into one paragraph
Correct answer: Note in the record that simultaneous speaking occurred and request speakers to speak one at a time
When multiple people speak simultaneously, reporters should note it parenthetically, transcribe what can be discerned, and request through the judge or presiding officer that speakers take turns.
Question 2: What is 'rough draft' transcript delivery?
- An unedited, uncertified version of the transcript delivered during or immediately after proceedings for reference purposes (Correct answer)
- A handwritten version of the transcript
- A transcript with intentional errors for proofreading practice
- A shortened summary rather than a verbatim transcript
Correct answer: An unedited, uncertified version of the transcript delivered during or immediately after proceedings for reference purposes
A rough draft (or rough ASCII) is the unedited realtime output delivered quickly for immediate reference. It is not certified, may contain errors, and cannot be cited as the official record.
Question 3: What does 'read back' mean in court reporting?
- The reporter reads previously recorded testimony aloud when requested by the judge, attorney, or jury (Correct answer)
- Reading the transcript back to the reporter's supervisor
- A reporter reviewing their notes at the end of the day
- Playing back audio recordings for the witness
Correct answer: The reporter reads previously recorded testimony aloud when requested by the judge, attorney, or jury
Read-back is a formal procedure where the reporter reads aloud from their stenographic notes or transcript when a party requests to hear previous testimony again, ensuring accuracy of the record.
Question 4: What are the ethical obligations of a court reporter regarding confidentiality?
- Reporters must maintain strict confidentiality of all proceedings and may not disclose testimony or case details to unauthorized parties (Correct answer)
- Reporters may discuss cases freely after they are closed
- Confidentiality applies only to sealed proceedings
- Reporters have no confidentiality obligations
Correct answer: Reporters must maintain strict confidentiality of all proceedings and may not disclose testimony or case details to unauthorized parties
Court reporters are bound by strict confidentiality requirements. They may not share transcript contents, case details, or attorney strategies with anyone not authorized to receive them, regardless of case status.
Question 5: What is the difference between a deposition transcript and a trial transcript?
- Depositions are pretrial testimony taken outside court, usually in an office setting; trial transcripts record courtroom proceedings (Correct answer)
- There is no difference in format or purpose
- Deposition transcripts are shorter than trial transcripts
- Only trial transcripts require a certified reporter
Correct answer: Depositions are pretrial testimony taken outside court, usually in an office setting; trial transcripts record courtroom proceedings
Depositions occur outside the courtroom during the discovery phase, typically in attorneys' offices. Trial transcripts record courtroom proceedings. Both are official records but serve different litigation purposes.
Question 6: How should parenthetical notations be used in a transcript?
- To describe non-verbal events, actions, or conditions relevant to the record such as '(Witness crying)' or '(Off the record discussion)' (Correct answer)
- To add the reporter's personal opinions about testimony
- To correct grammar in the speaker's words
- To insert advertising for the reporting firm
Correct answer: To describe non-verbal events, actions, or conditions relevant to the record such as '(Witness crying)' or '(Off the record discussion)'
Parenthetical notations describe non-verbal events that are part of the record—gestures, emotional states, interruptions, sidebar conferences, and other actions that provide context for the verbal testimony.
RMR Transcript Production & Formatting Standards 2
How should a court reporter handle simultaneous speakers during a proceeding?