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LA Court Reporter practice questions

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Question 1Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Under California rules, which officer of the court may administer the oath to a witness before testimony is taken at a deposition?

  1. Only a judge of the superior court
  2. Only a notary public who is also an attorney
  3. Any licensed court reporter who is a certified shorthand reporter or otherwise authorized to administer oaths Correct answer.
  4. Only the attorney who noticed the deposition

Explanation

A deposition officer authorized to administer oaths-typically a certified shorthand reporter or other person empowered by law-may swear the witness. The judge is not required to be present, and counsel and attorney-notaries are not the default oath administrators.

Question 2Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A court reporter is directed to read back a portion of prior testimony to the jury during trial. What is the reporter's proper role at that moment?

  1. Summarize the testimony in the reporter's own words for clarity
  2. Refuse to read back until the jury submits a written request
  3. Ask the witness to repeat the earlier answers from memory
  4. Read the requested testimony accurately from the stenographic record as directed by the judge Correct answer.

Explanation

When the court orders a readback, the reporter reads the recorded testimony verbatim from the official record. The reporter does not paraphrase, and the jury does not petition the reporter directly; the judge controls the readback.

Question 3Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Which term describes the reporter's contemporaneous stenographic notes and the resulting transcript that together constitute the official verbatim record of proceedings?

  1. The bailiff's log
  2. The clerk's minutes
  3. The exhibit list
  4. The reporter's notes and transcript Correct answer.

Explanation

The stenographic notes and the transcript produced from them form the verbatim record of proceedings. Clerk's minutes are a separate summary kept by the clerk, and exhibit lists and bailiff logs serve other administrative functions.

Question 4Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

During a deposition, a witness begins to answer, and opposing counsel objects and instructs the witness not to answer. What should the reporter do?

  1. Record the question, the objection, the instruction, and any answer or refusal exactly as they occur Correct answer.
  2. Omit the objection from the transcript because no answer was given
  3. Stop the deposition until the objection is resolved by a judge
  4. Advise the witness to disregard the instruction and answer

Explanation

The reporter's duty is to capture everything spoken on the record, including objections, instructions not to answer, and any refusal. The reporter does not rule on objections or counsel the witness, and no portion of the exchange is omitted.

Question 5Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Which of the following best describes the reporter's obligation regarding confidentiality of proceedings conducted in a sealed or private courtroom session?

  1. The reporter must destroy the notes immediately after the session
  2. The reporter may discuss the content freely because reporters are officers of the court
  3. The reporter may share the content with any attorney who requests it
  4. The reporter must not disclose the sealed content except as authorized by court order or law Correct answer.

Explanation

Sealed or in camera content may be disclosed only as the court authorizes by order or as law permits. Being an officer of the court does not create a license to discuss sealed matters, and reporters must preserve rather than destroy their notes.

Question 6Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In a California civil case, which party generally bears the cost of the court reporter's attendance at a deposition?

  1. The party noticing the deposition ordinarily pays the deposition officer's fees Correct answer.
  2. The responding party always pays half the fee
  3. The witness personally pays the fee
  4. The court pays from a reporter fund

Explanation

The party who notices a deposition generally arranges and pays for the deposition officer, subject to cost-recovery rules if that party prevails. The responding party, the court, and the witness are not the default payers.

Question 7Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A reporter is asked to mark and identify exhibits during a hearing. What is the standard practice for assigning exhibit numbers?

  1. Wait until the end of the hearing to assign any numbers
  2. Assign numbers sequentially as each exhibit is identified on the record and note the markings in the transcript Correct answer.
  3. Assign numbers alphabetically by the exhibit's title
  4. Assign the same number to all exhibits offered by one party

Explanation

Exhibits are marked sequentially as they are identified, and the transcript reflects the marking and any rulings. Alphabetical or party-based numbering is not standard, and deferring all numbering would leave the record ambiguous.

Question 8Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What does the term 'realtime' reporting refer to in court reporting practice?

  1. Producing the transcript within one business day
  2. Transmitting the stenographic translation to screens as the testimony is spoken Correct answer.
  3. Reading back testimony at the end of each day
  4. Recording the proceedings with a video camera only

Explanation

Realtime reporting converts the reporter's keystrokes into text displayed on monitors during the proceeding. It is distinct from video recording, from later transcript production timelines, and from end-of-day readbacks.

Question 9Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

During testimony, a witness says 'the car was going, you know, really fast.' The reporter is unsure of a proper noun used earlier. What is the appropriate practice?

  1. Guess at the spelling and correct it later without noting the change
  2. Substitute a similar-sounding word to keep the flow
  3. Interrupt briefly at a natural pause to confirm the spelling or term on the record Correct answer.
  4. Leave a blank in the transcript and let the attorney fill it in

Explanation

Confirming unclear proper nouns or technical terms at a natural pause preserves accuracy and is standard practice. Guessing, leaving blanks, or substituting words would compromise the verbatim record.

Question 10Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

An attorney asks the reporter to go off the record. What should the reporter do before complying?

  1. Confirm the off-the-record instruction aloud so it is captured, then stop recording Correct answer.
  2. Continue recording because only the judge can go off the record
  3. Immediately stop recording without comment
  4. Ask the witness whether going off the record is acceptable

Explanation

Announcing the off-the-record instruction on the record documents when recording stopped and resumed. Silently stopping leaves an unexplained gap, and the witness is not the decision-maker on record status.

Question 11Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Which practice best preserves the record when two people speak simultaneously during a hearing?

  1. Note the overlap and identify the speakers as accurately as possible in the transcript Correct answer.
  2. Insert a general note that crosstalk occurred without identifying speakers
  3. Omit both statements as unintelligible
  4. Record only the louder speaker's words

Explanation

The reporter should capture overlapping speech as fully as possible and identify speakers, sometimes using bracketed notations. Dropping one speaker or omitting content would leave the record incomplete.

Question 12Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A witness testifies through a foreign-language interpreter. How should the reporter treat the interpreter's rendition in the transcript?

  1. Summarize the interpreter's rendition in condensed form
  2. Record only the foreign-language words spoken by the witness
  3. Record the interpreted English rendition as the testimony, with interpreter identification noted Correct answer.
  4. Record the interpreter's rendition and the foreign words in parallel columns

Explanation

The English rendition is what the court and jury hear and is recorded as the testimony, with the interpreter's role identified. Recording only the foreign language or summarizing would not reflect the evidentiary record.

Question 13Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Which of the following is a core reason court reporters must maintain and preserve stenographic notes for the required retention period?

  1. The notes may be needed to produce, verify, or reconstruct the transcript later Correct answer.
  2. The notes replace the transcript as the official record
  3. The notes are required only for billing purposes
  4. The notes are sold to the public as a historical archive

Explanation

Retained notes allow a transcript to be produced or verified after the proceeding, including on appeal. They are not a public commodity, do not replace the transcript as the official record, and serve purposes beyond billing.

Question 14Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

During a jury trial, the judge calls a sidebar conference out of the jury's hearing. How should the reporter handle the sidebar?

  1. Ask the jurors to step out before recording the sidebar
  2. Record only the judge's remarks at the sidebar
  3. Skip the sidebar entirely because the jury cannot hear it
  4. Record the sidebar on the record unless the judge orders it off the record or sealed Correct answer.

Explanation

Sidebar conferences are part of the proceedings and are recorded unless the court directs otherwise. The jury's inability to hear does not remove the sidebar from the record, and the reporter does not selectively record participants.

Question 15Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A reporter discovers an error in a completed transcript that has already been certified. What is the appropriate course?

  1. Notify the court and parties and follow the statutory or rule-based procedure for correcting the certified record Correct answer.
  2. Destroy the original transcript and start over
  3. Quietly issue a revised transcript without notice
  4. Ignore the error because certification is final

Explanation

Correction of a certified transcript follows a formal procedure with notice to the court and parties so the record is amended transparently. Silent revisions, destruction, or ignoring the error would undermine the record's reliability.

Question 16Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Which statement accurately describes the reporter's duty regarding the oath or affirmation of a witness at trial?

  1. The reporter decides whether an affirmation is permitted
  2. The reporter may waive the oath if the witness seems credible
  3. The reporter records the oath only if counsel requests it
  4. The reporter administers or records the oath as the court directs and notes it in the transcript Correct answer.

Explanation

The reporter administers or documents the oath as the court directs and notes it in the record. The reporter does not waive oaths, decide the form of affirmation, or act only on counsel's request.

Question 17Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

An attorney asks the reporter to 'read back the last question and answer' during a deposition. What is the reporter's proper response?

  1. Read only the answer and not the question
  2. Read the requested question and answer verbatim from the record Correct answer.
  3. Paraphrase the question and answer to save time
  4. Decline because readbacks are only permitted at trial

Explanation

Readbacks at depositions are given verbatim from the record when requested. Paraphrasing alters the testimony, readbacks are not limited to trial, and reading only the answer would be incomplete.

Question 18Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the primary purpose of a reporter's certificate or certification page attached to a transcript?

  1. To summarize the key testimony for the judge
  2. To attest that the transcript is a true and accurate record of the proceedings Correct answer.
  3. To list the fees charged for the transcript
  4. To identify the attorneys who appeared

Explanation

The certificate is the reporter's attestation of the transcript's accuracy and completeness. Fee schedules, testimony summaries, and appearance lists serve other purposes and do not substitute for the certification.

Question 19Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A witness testifies using a demonstrative chart that is not admitted into evidence. How should the reporter handle references to the chart?

  1. Record the chart's contents in full as if it were testimony
  2. Refuse to record testimony that refers to an unadmitted chart
  3. Omit all references to the chart because it was not admitted
  4. Record the testimony and note the chart's use and identification as it occurs on the record Correct answer.

Explanation

Testimony referring to a demonstrative is recorded, and the chart's use and identification are noted even if it is not admitted. The reporter does not transcribe the chart's contents as testimony or omit references to it.

Question 20Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Which situation most clearly requires the reporter to seek the court's guidance rather than act independently?

  1. A witness asks for a glass of water
  2. Counsel requests a brief recess
  3. A dispute arises over whether a portion of testimony should be sealed Correct answer.
  4. A juror asks to see an exhibit during deliberations

Explanation

Sealing determinations are judicial decisions, so the reporter should seek the court's direction rather than decide independently. Routine comfort requests, recesses, and jury exhibit access are handled by the court or clerk through established procedures.

Question 21Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A reporter is subpoenaed to testify about the accuracy of a transcript in a proceeding where the reporter officiated. What is the generally accepted professional approach?

  1. Respond to the subpoena and testify truthfully about the record while respecting confidentiality rules Correct answer.
  2. Refuse to appear because reporters are exempt from subpoenas
  3. Testify only if the opposing party consents
  4. Provide the transcript to the requesting party instead of appearing

Explanation

Reporters are not exempt from subpoenas and must appear and testify truthfully, subject to confidentiality and privilege rules. Consent of a party is not required, and sending the transcript does not satisfy a subpoena to testify.

Question 22Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

During a capital or lengthy trial, a reporter must manage exhibits, readbacks, and daily transcript production simultaneously. Which practice best protects the integrity of the record under this pressure?

  1. Produce daily transcripts from memory without checking notes
  2. Maintain organized exhibit logs and verify readback passages against the notes before reading Correct answer.
  3. Defer all exhibit logging until the trial ends
  4. Rely on memory for readbacks to save time

Explanation

Organized logs and verification against the notes protect accuracy when demands are high. Memory-based readbacks, deferred logging, and unchecked transcript production all risk error in the official record.

Question 23Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A party challenges the reporter's transcription of a technical term used by an expert witness. What is the most defensible basis for the reporter's position?

  1. The reporter's general familiarity with the expert's field
  2. A dictionary definition of the term
  3. The attorney's later recollection of what was said
  4. The reporter's contemporaneous notes and any clarification obtained on the record at the time Correct answer.

Explanation

The contemporaneous notes and any on-record clarification are the strongest evidence of what was actually said. General familiarity, later recollection, and dictionary definitions do not establish the spoken words.

Question 24Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Which scenario presents the clearest conflict between the reporter's verbatim duty and a request from counsel?

  1. Counsel asks the reporter to clean up a witness's grammar in the transcript Correct answer.
  2. Counsel asks the reporter to note a recess on the record
  3. Counsel asks the reporter to swear the witness
  4. Counsel asks the reporter to mark an exhibit

Explanation

The verbatim duty requires recording testimony as spoken, so altering grammar would violate it. Noting recesses, marking exhibits, and swearing witnesses are ordinary duties consistent with accurate record-keeping.

Question 25Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

A reporter is asked to prepare a transcript for appeal on an expedited schedule. Which consideration most directly governs the reporter's obligations?

  1. Compliance with statutory deadlines and transcript format rules applicable to appellate records Correct answer.
  2. The number of copies requested by the appellant
  3. The reporter's preference for a particular binding style
  4. The availability of the courtroom for a rehearing

Explanation

Expedited appellate transcripts are governed by statutory deadlines and prescribed format requirements. Binding preferences, copy counts, and courtroom availability do not determine the reporter's legal obligations.

Question 26Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Under California rules, what is the primary duty of a court reporter when creating an official verbatim record of a proceeding?

  1. To edit out redundant or unclear statements
  2. To provide legal interpretations of testimony when requested
  3. To record all spoken words and relevant sounds exactly as they occur Correct answer.
  4. To summarize the testimony for the judge's convenience

Explanation

The court reporter's core duty is to produce a verbatim record, capturing all oral proceedings, including gestures and emotional expressions when relevant, without alteration. Summarizing or editing would violate the requirement for an accurate and complete record.

Question 27Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In California, what is the required action for a court reporter before administering an oath to a witness?

  1. Ensure the witness understands English Correct answer.
  2. Ask the witness to state their full name
  3. Confirm the witness's identity and address
  4. Obtain the judge's permission

Explanation

Before administering an oath, the reporter must ensure the witness understands the oath's meaning, which may require an interpreter if the witness is not proficient in English. The other options are not prerequisites for administering the oath.

Question 28Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

During a deposition, an attorney objects to a question and instructs the witness not to answer. What should the court reporter do?

  1. Record the objection, the instruction, and any answer given Correct answer.
  2. Record the objection and the instruction, but not the answer
  3. Stop recording until the objection is resolved
  4. Refuse to record the objection because it is argumentative

Explanation

The reporter must record all proceedings, including objections and instructions not to answer, as well as any answer the witness provides despite the instruction. This preserves a complete record for later review by the court.

Question 29Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the correct procedure for a court reporter when a witness requests a break during testimony?

  1. Ask the judge to decide whether the break is allowed
  2. Note the time and reason for the break in the record Correct answer.
  3. Continue recording any conversation during the break
  4. Suspend the record and resume without noting the break

Explanation

The reporter should note the time and reason for any break in the record to maintain an accurate timeline of the proceedings. Conversations during breaks are typically off the record unless the judge orders otherwise.

Question 30Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In California, how should a court reporter handle a situation where two attorneys are speaking at the same time during a hearing?

  1. Stop recording until order is restored
  2. Ask the judge to intervene and clarify the record
  3. Record only the louder voice
  4. Transcribe both statements as best as possible and note the overlap Correct answer.

Explanation

When simultaneous speech occurs, the reporter should transcribe as much as possible and note the overlap, often using a parenthetical like (Simultaneous speech). This preserves the record and alerts readers to the difficulty.

Question 31Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the significance of a court reporter's certification on a transcript?

  1. It verifies that the transcript is a true and accurate record Correct answer.
  2. It guarantees the transcript is error-free
  3. It transfers ownership of the transcript to the court
  4. It serves as a substitute for the reporter's testimony

Explanation

The reporter's certification attests that the transcript accurately reflects the proceedings as recorded by the reporter. It is a formal declaration of accuracy and completeness, not a guarantee of perfection.

Question 32Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

During a trial, an exhibit is marked for identification but not admitted into evidence. How should the court reporter refer to it in the transcript?

  1. As 'Rejected Exhibit 1'
  2. As 'Exhibit 1' without qualification
  3. As 'Marked for Identification' Correct answer.
  4. As 'Exhibit 1 (not admitted)'

Explanation

Exhibits marked for identification but not admitted should be referred to as 'Marked for Identification' to clearly indicate their status. This avoids confusion with admitted exhibits.

Question 33Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What should a court reporter do if a witness uses a profane or offensive word during testimony?

  1. Ask the judge to instruct the witness to rephrase
  2. Substitute dashes for the offensive word
  3. Omit the word and note 'profanity'
  4. Record the word exactly as spoken Correct answer.

Explanation

The reporter must transcribe all words exactly as spoken, including profanity, to maintain a verbatim record. Altering or omitting words would compromise the accuracy of the transcript.

Question 34Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In California, what is the time limit for a court reporter to produce a transcript for a felony trial?

  1. 45 days after the request
  2. 20 days after the request
  3. 10 days after the request
  4. 30 days after the request Correct answer.

Explanation

Under California Rules of Court, the reporter must produce the transcript within 30 days after the request for a felony trial. This deadline ensures timely availability for appeal and review.

Question 35Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

How should a court reporter handle a request to go off the record during a deposition?

  1. Note the time and obtain agreement from all parties Correct answer.
  2. Refuse unless the judge orders it
  3. Comply immediately without comment
  4. Ask the deposing attorney if they object

Explanation

Before going off the record, the reporter should note the time and ensure all parties agree to the off-record status. This prevents disputes about what was said during the off-record period.

Question 36Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the proper way for a court reporter to handle a witness who is speaking inaudibly?

  1. Ask the witness to speak louder and note the request Correct answer.
  2. Stop the proceedings and request a microphone
  3. Guess at the words based on context
  4. Record 'inaudible' and continue

Explanation

The reporter should ask the witness to speak louder and note the request in the record. This ensures the testimony is captured accurately and alerts the court to any issues.

Question 37Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In California, which of the following is a valid reason for a court reporter to be disqualified from reporting a case?

  1. The reporter has a financial interest in the outcome Correct answer.
  2. The reporter has previously reported a case involving the same judge
  3. The reporter is not a member of the bar
  4. The reporter is related to one of the attorneys

Explanation

A court reporter must be impartial; having a financial interest in the outcome creates a conflict of interest and is grounds for disqualification. Other relationships, such as being related to an attorney, may also require disclosure but are not automatic disqualifications.

Question 38Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What should a court reporter do if an attorney asks them to interpret a witness's nonverbal gesture?

  1. Describe the gesture in the record Correct answer.
  2. Ask the witness to explain the gesture
  3. Note the gesture and provide an interpretation
  4. Refuse and state that interpretation is for the jury

Explanation

The reporter should describe the gesture in the record (e.g., 'witness nodded') without interpreting its meaning. Interpretation is the province of the judge or jury, not the reporter.

Question 39Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

Under California law, how long must a court reporter retain stenographic notes for a felony case?

  1. 10 years Correct answer.
  2. Indefinitely
  3. 5 years
  4. 2 years

Explanation

California law requires court reporters to retain stenographic notes for felony cases for 10 years. This ensures the record is available for appeals and other post-conviction proceedings.

Question 40Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the court reporter's role when a judge asks for a readback of testimony during a trial?

  1. To provide a paraphrased version for clarity
  2. To decline because readbacks are not permitted
  3. To read the requested portion verbatim from the record Correct answer.
  4. To summarize the testimony from memory

Explanation

The reporter must read back the requested testimony verbatim from the record to ensure accuracy. Summarizing or paraphrasing would be improper.

Question 41Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In California, what is the consequence if a court reporter fails to file a transcript within the required deadline?

  1. The reporter's license is automatically revoked
  2. The transcript is automatically admitted
  3. The reporter may be held in contempt Correct answer.
  4. The case is dismissed

Explanation

Failure to timely file a transcript can result in the reporter being held in contempt of court. Other penalties may apply, but contempt is a direct consequence.

Question 42Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

How should a court reporter handle a situation where an attorney asks them to omit a sidebar conference from the transcript?

  1. Omit it but note 'sidebar omitted'
  2. Include it but seal that portion
  3. Refuse unless the judge orders it Correct answer.
  4. Comply if both attorneys agree

Explanation

The reporter must refuse to omit any part of the proceedings unless ordered by the judge. Sidebar conferences are part of the record and may be sealed by the judge but not unilaterally omitted.

Question 43Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the proper procedure for a court reporter when a witness testifies in a language other than English without an interpreter?

  1. The reporter should translate the testimony themselves
  2. The reporter should ask the witness to speak English
  3. The reporter should record the foreign language and note it
  4. The reporter should stop the proceedings and request an interpreter Correct answer.

Explanation

If a witness testifies in a foreign language without an interpreter, the reporter should stop the proceedings and request that an interpreter be provided. The reporter is not qualified to translate and must ensure an accurate record.

Question 44Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In California, what is the court reporter's duty regarding the recording of jury instructions?

  1. The reporter must record the instructions only if requested by the jury
  2. The reporter must record the judge's reading of the instructions Correct answer.
  3. The reporter is not required to record jury instructions
  4. The reporter must record only the attorneys' objections

Explanation

The court reporter must record the judge's reading of the jury instructions as part of the official proceedings. This ensures the record is complete for appeal.

Question 45Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What should a court reporter do if they realize they made a typographical error in a transcript after it has been certified?

  1. Make a note in their personal files
  2. File an amended transcript with the court Correct answer.
  3. Inform the parties and request a correction order
  4. Ignore it because the transcript is certified

Explanation

The reporter should file an amended transcript with the court to correct the error, ensuring the record is accurate. Simply ignoring it or making a personal note does not correct the official record.

Question 46Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

How should a court reporter handle a situation where a witness is crying and unable to speak clearly?

  1. Record 'witness crying' and wait for testimony to resume Correct answer.
  2. Continue recording and transcribe only the understandable words
  3. Ask the judge to declare a mistrial
  4. Stop recording until the witness composes themselves

Explanation

The reporter should note the witness's emotional state in the record (e.g., 'witness crying') and wait for testimony to resume. This preserves the context without interrupting the proceedings.

Question 47Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

In California, which of the following is a required qualification for a certified shorthand reporter?

  1. Passing a state certification examination Correct answer.
  2. Membership in the California Bar
  3. Five years of experience as a legal secretary
  4. A bachelor's degree in journalism

Explanation

To become a certified shorthand reporter in California, one must pass the state certification examination administered by the Court Reporters Board. Other qualifications like education or bar membership are not required.

Question 48Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the court reporter's responsibility regarding the recording of a judge's private bench conference with attorneys?

  1. The reporter should record it if it occurs in open court Correct answer.
  2. The reporter should record it only if a party requests
  3. The reporter should record it but mark it confidential
  4. The reporter should not record private bench conferences

Explanation

If a bench conference occurs in open court and is audible, the reporter should record it as part of the proceedings. However, if the judge explicitly orders it off the record, the reporter must comply.

Question 49Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

During a deposition, a witness refuses to answer a question and the attorney asks the reporter to compel an answer. What should the reporter do?

  1. Suspend the deposition and call the judge
  2. Explain that the reporter cannot compel an answer Correct answer.
  3. Record the refusal and continue with the next question
  4. Direct the witness to answer the question

Explanation

The reporter has no authority to compel a witness to answer; that is a matter for the court. The reporter should record the refusal and proceed as directed by the attorneys.

Question 50Court Reporting Practice and Procedure

What is the proper way for a court reporter to handle a situation where an attorney uses a racial slur during closing argument?

  1. Omit the slur from the transcript
  2. Substitute the slur with '[racial slur]'
  3. Stop recording and report the attorney to the judge
  4. Record the slur exactly as spoken Correct answer.

Explanation

The reporter must transcribe all words exactly as spoken, including offensive language, to maintain a verbatim record. Altering or omitting words would compromise the accuracy of the transcript.