Transcript Production & Formatting Standards Flashcards
6 cards from real RMR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Transcript Production & Formatting Standards flashcards as text
How should a court reporter handle simultaneous speakers during a proceeding?
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.
What is 'rough draft' transcript delivery?
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.
What does 'read back' mean in court reporting?
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.
What are the ethical obligations of a court reporter regarding confidentiality?
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.
What is the difference between a deposition transcript and a trial transcript?
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.
How should parenthetical notations be used in a transcript?
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.