LA Court Reporter flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Verbatim record requirement

The court reporter must record all spoken words in a proceeding, including sidebars, objections, and rulings, unless the judge orders otherwise on the record.

Administering the oath

Before testimony, the reporter or judge administers an oath or affirmation to the witness; the fact that it was given must appear in the transcript.

Recording objections

When counsel objects, the reporter records the objection and its grounds verbatim, followed by the court's ruling and any exception taken by counsel.

Marking exhibits

The reporter or clerk marks exhibits for identification, noting the exhibit number, description, and whether the court admitted or refused it.

Read-back of testimony

If the court orders a read-back, the reporter reads the requested testimony; the transcript should identify the passage as a read-back, not new evidence.

Interpreter testimony

When a witness testifies through an interpreter, the reporter transcribes the interpreter's English rendition and identifies the interpreter on the record.

Inaudible testimony

If a word cannot be heard, the reporter may use a placeholder such as '(inaudible)' and should seek clarification at the time rather than guess.

Jury charge conference

The reporter records the jury charge conference, objections to proposed instructions, the court's rulings, and the verdict as returned, including any polling.

Louisiana court structure

Louisiana has district courts as trial courts, five courts of appeal, and the Louisiana Supreme Court as the highest court.

Judicial districts

Louisiana is divided into 42 judicial districts; each district may include one or more parishes and has a varying number of judges.

Supreme Court jurisdiction

The Louisiana Supreme Court has supervisory jurisdiction over lower courts, may issue writs, and has original jurisdiction in matters such as attorney discipline.

Courts of appeal panels

Louisiana courts of appeal generally sit in panels of three judges; a party may request a rehearing before the full circuit en banc.

Civil procedure code

The Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure governs civil practice in state courts, including pleading, venue, and appeal deadlines.

Venue in civil cases

Venue is generally proper in the parish where the defendant is domiciled or where the cause of action arose, subject to statutory exceptions.

Civil appeal deadline

In Louisiana civil cases, an appeal generally must be taken within 60 days of the judgment or order, unless a different period is set by law.

Rules of Professional Conduct

The Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct govern attorney conduct and are enforced by the Attorney Disciplinary Board and the Supreme Court.

Local court rules

Each Louisiana court may adopt local rules, including rules on transcript format and filing, which reporters must follow in that court.

Transcript title page

The title page identifies the court, parish, case number, parties, proceeding date, and the reporter's name and certification.

Reporter certification

The reporter signs a certification stating the transcript is a true and correct transcription of the proceedings, dated and included with the transcript.

Transcript formatting

Transcript format follows the Louisiana Supreme Court rules or local court rules, covering page size, line numbering, font, and margins.

Verbatim transcription

Testimony is transcribed word for word, including false starts and repetitions, using standard conventions such as 'Q.' and 'A.' for questions and answers.

Exhibit index

The transcript includes an index listing each exhibit by number and description, indicating whether the court admitted or refused it.

Retention of notes

The reporter must keep stenographic notes and recordings for the period required by law or court rule; the specific period should be confirmed with the court.

Transcript cost estimate

When a transcript is ordered, the reporter provides a cost estimate and may require a deposit before starting, subject to statutory fee schedules.

Correcting a transcript

After certification, a transcript may be corrected only by court order or party stipulation, and the correction must be noted on the record.

Electronic recording backup

An electronic recording may back up the reporter's notes, but the reporter remains responsible for transcript accuracy unless the court authorizes otherwise.

Louisiana reporter licensure

Court reporters in Louisiana are licensed by the Louisiana Board of Examiners of Court Reporters after passing an examination and meeting requirements.

Professional associations

The Louisiana Court Reporters Association is a professional group; national certification is available through the National Court Reporters Association, separate from state licensure.

Confidentiality duty

A reporter must keep proceedings confidential and may not disclose transcript content except as authorized by law or court order.

Conflict of interest

A reporter should not report a proceeding in which the reporter has a personal or financial interest that could compromise impartiality.

Continuing education

Louisiana court reporters must complete continuing education for license renewal; the Board of Examiners sets the required hours and categories.

Substitute reporter

If a reporter cannot perform due to illness or incapacity, the reporter must arrange a substitute acceptable to the court and notify the parties.

Reporter as witness

A reporter may be called to authenticate a transcript or testify about proceedings; the reporter's notes may be subpoenaed.