I85PREP
⌘ K
MS Court Reporter study materials
MS Court Reporter study resources

MS Court Reporter practice questions

One question at a time. Build your MS Court Reporter understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Under the Mississippi Rules of Appellate Procedure, a court reporter preparing a transcript for an appeal must deliver the completed transcript to the appellant within how many days after the notice of appeal is filed, absent an extension?

  1. 30 days
  2. 90 days
  3. 60 days Correct answer.
  4. 120 days

Explanation

The Mississippi Rules of Appellate Procedure set a 60-day window for the reporter to file the transcript with the clerk after the notice of appeal is filed. Extensions require a motion showing good cause, and the reporter must notify the parties of the estimated completion date. Mississippians should always verify the current rule text, because amendments occur.

Question 2Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A court reporter is asked to certify a transcript. Which element must the reporter's certificate contain to satisfy Mississippi practice?

  1. A statement that the transcript is a true and correct record of the proceedings, signed by the reporter Correct answer.
  2. The reporter's hourly rate
  3. The names of all attorneys present
  4. The court's case number only

Explanation

A reporter's certificate attests that the transcript is a true, complete, and correct record of the proceedings transcribed, and it must be signed by the reporter. The certificate is what gives the transcript its official evidentiary status on appeal. Case numbers and appearances appear elsewhere in the transcript caption and index.

Question 3Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

During a deposition, an attorney objects and instructs the witness not to answer. What is the reporter's proper action?

  1. Omit the objection from the transcript
  2. Refuse to record the instruction
  3. Suspend the deposition until the judge rules
  4. Record the question, the objection, the instruction, and any answer given Correct answer.

Explanation

The reporter records verbatim everything said on the record, including questions, objections, instructions not to answer, and any answer or lack of answer. The reporter does not rule on objections or edit the record. The transcript must reflect the exchange so a court can later evaluate the objection.

Question 4Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which format element is required at the top of the first page of a Mississippi trial transcript?

  1. The caption identifying the court, parties, and case number Correct answer.
  2. The reporter's fee schedule
  3. A table of authorities
  4. A summary of the evidence

Explanation

The first page of a transcript carries a caption identifying the court, the parties, and the case number, followed by the title of the proceeding. Tables of authorities belong in briefs, not transcripts. Fee schedules and evidence summaries are not part of the transcript format.

Question 5Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

An attorney asks the reporter to change the word 'shall' to 'may' in a completed transcript because the speaker 'misspoke.' How should the reporter respond?

  1. Make the change and note it in the certificate
  2. Ask the judge to decide
  3. Decline; the record must reflect what was actually said Correct answer.
  4. Make the change without notation

Explanation

The transcript must be a verbatim record of what was said; reporters cannot alter substantive testimony at a party's request. Corrections are limited to transcription errors, and even those follow a formal procedure. Changing 'shall' to 'may' would alter meaning and is prohibited.

Question 6Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

In Mississippi, a party who believes a transcript contains an error may pursue which procedure?

  1. Filing a bar complaint against the reporter
  2. Requesting a new trial automatically
  3. Filing a motion to correct the transcript with the trial court Correct answer.
  4. Asking the reporter to rewrite the transcript

Explanation

A party may file a motion asking the trial court to correct the transcript, and the court may order the reporter to make corrections after notice to the parties. This preserves the integrity of the appellate record. The reporter does not unilaterally rewrite transcripts, and a bar complaint is not a correction mechanism.

Question 7Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which of the following best describes the reporter's duty when a witness testifies in a language other than English through an interpreter?

  1. Record a summary of the testimony
  2. Record only the foreign-language testimony
  3. Record both the foreign-language testimony and the English interpretation Correct answer.
  4. Record only the English interpretation

Explanation

When an interpreter is used, the record should include both the foreign-language statements and the English interpretation so the appellate court can evaluate the accuracy of the interpretation. Recording only one side obscures the source of any dispute. Summaries are never acceptable in a verbatim transcript.

Question 8Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

What does 'realtime' reporting typically provide in a Mississippi courtroom?

  1. A live feed of the stenographic text to attorneys or the judge Correct answer.
  2. A same-day printed transcript
  3. An audio recording for the court file
  4. A videotaped record

Explanation

Realtime reporting streams the reporter's keystrokes, translated by software, to a screen or device for immediate viewing. It is not a substitute for the certified transcript and does not produce audio or video. The certified transcript is later prepared from the stenographic notes.

Question 9Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A court reporter is subpoenaed to testify about a deposition she took. What is the reporter's best practice?

  1. Destroy the notes to avoid testifying
  2. Refuse to testify because of confidentiality
  3. Testify truthfully about what was recorded, relying on the transcript Correct answer.
  4. Summarize the testimony from memory

Explanation

A reporter may be called to authenticate the transcript or testify about the proceedings, and should testify truthfully based on the transcript and notes. Destroying notes or refusing to testify could constitute obstruction. Reporters are not shielded from testimony by any general confidentiality privilege.

Question 10Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which of the following is the correct way for a reporter to handle an inaudible portion of the record?

  1. Ask opposing counsel what was said
  2. Guess at the words based on context
  3. Leave a blank space
  4. Insert '(inaudible)' or a comparable notation Correct answer.

Explanation

When a portion of the audio is unintelligible, the reporter inserts a notation such as '(inaudible)' rather than guessing. Guessing risks misrepresenting testimony, and leaving a blank obscures that something was missed. The notation alerts the parties and the court to the gap.

Question 11Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi court reporter must retain stenographic notes and records for at least how long under typical practice standards?

  1. Indefinitely
  2. Five years Correct answer.
  3. Three years
  4. One year

Explanation

Mississippi practice generally requires retention of notes and records for at least five years, with longer retention for certain proceedings. Retention rules protect the ability to reconstruct a transcript if it is challenged. Reporters should confirm current requirements with the court administrator.

Question 12Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

In a transcript, how should the reporter indicate that a witness was interrupted mid-sentence by opposing counsel?

  1. Complete the sentence for the witness
  2. Insert '[interruption]'
  3. Use an em dash or double dash at the point of interruption Correct answer.
  4. Omit the incomplete sentence

Explanation

An interruption is conventionally shown with an em dash or double dash at the point where the speaker was cut off. This preserves the verbatim nature of the record without adding commentary. Completing or omitting the sentence would alter the record.

Question 13Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which of the following is a core ethical obligation of a Mississippi court reporter?

  1. Editing testimony to improve clarity
  2. Maintaining impartiality and accuracy in the record Correct answer.
  3. Advocating for the party who hired the reporter
  4. Sharing transcripts with the public without restriction

Explanation

Court reporters serve the court and the parties impartially, and accuracy of the record is their paramount duty. Reporters must not favor the hiring party or alter testimony. Confidentiality rules also limit disclosure of transcripts in many proceedings.

Question 14Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A judge asks the reporter to go off the record during a bench conference. What should the reporter do?

  1. Destroy prior notes
  2. Stop recording immediately
  3. Continue recording until the judge confirms off the record Correct answer.
  4. Ask the attorneys to decide

Explanation

The reporter should not stop recording until the judge clearly directs that the proceedings are off the record. Prematurely stopping can create gaps if the bench conference is later deemed part of the record. The judge controls the record, and the reporter follows clear instructions.

Question 15Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which transcript component lists the witnesses, exhibits, and page numbers for quick reference?

  1. Caption
  2. Deposition notice
  3. Index Correct answer.
  4. Certificate

Explanation

The index provides a roadmap to the transcript, listing witnesses, exhibits, and the pages where they appear. The certificate is the reporter's attestation, and the caption identifies the case. A deposition notice is a separate document initiating the deposition.

Question 16Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

During a jury trial, the jury is excused and the judge and attorneys discuss a legal issue. How should the reporter treat this bench conference?

  1. Record only the judge's statements
  2. Record only if a party requests it after the fact
  3. Record it if the judge directs that it be on the record Correct answer.
  4. Never record bench conferences

Explanation

Bench conferences are recorded when the judge directs that they be on the record, and many judges routinely do so to preserve issues for appeal. The reporter follows the judge's direction. Recording only selected speakers would produce an incomplete record.

Question 17Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which of the following is the proper way to mark and refer to an exhibit in a trial transcript?

  1. By the exhibit number assigned by the court Correct answer.
  2. By a descriptive name chosen by the reporter
  3. By the attorney who introduced it
  4. By the page number where it appears

Explanation

Exhibits are identified in the transcript by the number or letter assigned by the court, which is the official designation used on appeal. Reporters do not invent descriptive names. Referring to the introducing attorney would be ambiguous if multiple exhibits are offered.

Question 18Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi reporter is preparing a transcript of a hearing where a party appeared pro se. How should the reporter identify the speaker in the transcript?

  1. By name and designation as a self-represented party Correct answer.
  2. As 'Attorney' regardless of status
  3. Omit the speaker's name
  4. As 'Defendant' only

Explanation

A self-represented party should be identified by name and noted as appearing pro se or self-represented, which accurately reflects the record. Labeling the person as an attorney would be misleading. Omitting the name would make the transcript difficult to follow.

Question 19Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which of the following best describes the difference between a certified transcript and a rough draft?

  1. They are identical
  2. A certified transcript is the official verbatim record; a rough draft is an uncertified working copy Correct answer.
  3. A rough draft is admissible in court
  4. A rough draft is certified; a transcript is not

Explanation

The certified transcript is the official verbatim record signed by the reporter and used on appeal. A rough draft or realtime feed is an uncertified working product that may contain errors. Only the certified transcript carries official status.

Question 20Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

An attorney asks the reporter to omit a sidebar remark made by the judge that the attorney considers 'off the cuff.' What is the reporter's proper response?

  1. Record it if it was made on the record Correct answer.
  2. Omit it as requested
  3. Ask the judge to strike it from the notes
  4. Record it only if it is relevant

Explanation

Anything said on the record is part of the record, and the reporter lacks authority to omit it at an attorney's request. Only the judge can direct that something be stricken or placed off the record. The reporter's duty is to preserve the record as made.

Question 21Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which of the following is a required element of a deposition transcript's heading?

  1. The reporter's home address
  2. The names of the parties, the case number, and the date and location of the deposition Correct answer.
  3. The court's docket sheet
  4. The judge's signature

Explanation

A deposition transcript heading identifies the parties, the case number, and the date and location of the deposition, along with the deponent's name. These elements allow the transcript to be tied to the correct case. The judge does not sign deposition transcripts.

Question 22Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter notices that a witness used a racial slur during testimony. How should the reporter handle it in the transcript?

  1. Note it as '[offensive language]'
  2. Record it verbatim as spoken Correct answer.
  3. Replace it with a euphemism
  4. Omit the word

Explanation

The transcript must reproduce testimony verbatim, even when the language is offensive, because altering it would distort the record. The reporter may note the word's pronunciation if unclear but must not substitute or omit. Appellate courts rely on the exact words used.

Question 23Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi appellate court is reviewing a transcript and finds a discrepancy between the transcript and the audio recording. Which principle governs?

  1. The transcript controls because it is certified
  2. The court may order correction after notice to the parties Correct answer.
  3. The audio recording always controls
  4. The discrepancy is ignored

Explanation

When a discrepancy is identified, the court may order the reporter to correct the transcript after giving notice to the parties, ensuring the record is accurate. Neither the audio nor the transcript automatically controls without review. Ignoring the discrepancy would undermine the appeal.

Question 24Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

Which of the following statements about a reporter's duty to record objections during trial is correct?

  1. All objections and the court's rulings are recorded Correct answer.
  2. Only sustained objections are recorded
  3. Only objections made at sidebar are recorded
  4. Objections are recorded only if the judge requests

Explanation

The reporter records all objections and the court's rulings because they preserve issues for appeal. Recording only sustained objections or only sidebar objections would omit essential parts of the record. The judge does not need to request recording of objections.

Question 25Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A court reporter is asked to prepare an expedited transcript for a hearing scheduled the next morning. Which consideration is most important?

  1. Omitting minor speakers to save time
  2. Reducing the fee to accommodate the request
  3. Ensuring accuracy and completeness despite the deadline Correct answer.
  4. Skipping the certificate to save time

Explanation

Even under expedited deadlines, accuracy and completeness remain paramount; the reporter must not sacrifice the integrity of the record. Omitting speakers or the certificate would render the transcript defective. Fees are secondary to the quality of the record.

Question 26Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi court reporter is preparing the caption page of a felony trial transcript. Which element identifies the court and the term during which the case was heard?

  1. The index of witnesses and exhibits
  2. The style of the case naming the parties
  3. The venue and term line of the caption Correct answer.
  4. The certificate of the official reporter

Explanation

The caption of a transcript identifies the court, the county or district, and the term in which the case was heard, usually in a venue and term line above the style of the case. The style names the parties, while the certificate and index serve different functions later in the document.

Question 27Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

During a deposition, counsel says 'Let the record reflect that the witness is pointing to a diagram.' How should the reporter render this in the transcript?

  1. Substitute a bracketed editorial note explaining what the diagram showed
  2. Omit the statement because gestures cannot be transcribed
  3. Record counsel's request verbatim and describe the gesture parenthetically Correct answer.
  4. Ask the witness to describe the diagram aloud before continuing

Explanation

Nonverbal events are preserved by transcribing the spoken request and adding a parenthetical description of the observed action, such as (indicating). This keeps the record accurate without the reporter inventing interpretation. Editorial commentary and omission both distort the official record.

Question 28Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A transcript page shows the end of direct examination and the beginning of cross-examination. What is the standard way the reporter marks the transition?

  1. A bracketed insertion in the body text
  2. A marginal note in the left column
  3. A centered heading such as DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR. HALE Correct answer.
  4. A footnote at the bottom of the page

Explanation

Examination transitions are marked with centered, capitalized headings identifying the examiner and type of examination. This convention lets any reader locate phases of testimony quickly. Marginal notes, footnotes, and brackets are reserved for other purposes.

Question 29Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A witness spells a surname letter by letter during testimony. How should the reporter format the spelled name in the transcript?

  1. Enclose the letters in quotation marks
  2. Write the name once and note 'spelled by witness'
  3. Place each letter on its own line
  4. Hyphenate the letters as M-A-C-K-E-N-Z-I-E Correct answer.

Explanation

Spelled-out words are conventionally shown with hyphens between capital letters so the reader understands the witness was spelling. This distinguishes spelling from ordinary speech. Quotation marks, line breaks, and summary notes do not convey the same information.

Question 30Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi reporter is assembling the final transcript and must attest that the transcript is a true and accurate record. Which component serves this purpose?

  1. The deposition notice
  2. The appearance page
  3. The exhibit index
  4. The reporter's certificate Correct answer.

Explanation

The reporter's certificate is the sworn statement attesting that the transcript is a true and correct record of the proceedings. It is signed and dated by the reporter. The other components provide information but carry no attestation.

Question 31Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

In a transcript, a witness begins an answer and is cut off by counsel's objection. Which convention best preserves the interruption?

  1. Delete the partial answer and record only the objection
  2. Complete the witness's sentence as the reporter believes it would have ended
  3. Insert a bracketed note reading [interrupted] after the partial answer
  4. End the partial answer with a double dash and begin the objection on a new line Correct answer.

Explanation

A double dash signals that speech was cut off mid-utterance, and the interrupting speaker begins on a new line. This preserves the exact point of interruption. Completing the sentence fabricates testimony, and deletion loses part of the record.

Question 32Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter is preparing a certified transcript and needs to show that a page was read aloud to the jury. How is this typically indicated?

  1. By repeating the full text of the read pages
  2. With a parenthetical noting the reading and the pages read Correct answer.
  3. By omitting the reading as duplicative
  4. By adding a footnote citing the transcript page

Explanation

When material is read into the record, the reporter notes the event parenthetically and identifies the pages or document read. Reproducing the entire text again would duplicate the record. Omission would hide an event of record.

Question 33Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi reporter receives a request to prepare a daily copy of testimony for a multi-week trial. What does daily copy typically mean?

  1. The entire trial transcript is delivered after verdict
  2. A rough unedited draft is provided to the judge only
  3. Only the exhibits are delivered each morning
  4. The prior day's testimony is delivered before the next session Correct answer.

Explanation

Daily copy means the reporter delivers the transcript of each day's proceedings before court convenes the next day. This allows counsel to prepare while testimony is fresh. It is distinct from expedited full delivery after trial or rough drafts.

Question 34Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

During a hearing, two attorneys speak at once and the reporter cannot separate their words. What is the best practice for the transcript?

  1. Ask the judge to strike the overlapping portion
  2. Note the overlapping speech parenthetically and transcribe what is discernible Correct answer.
  3. Attribute all overlapping words to the louder speaker
  4. Leave a blank gap with no notation

Explanation

The reporter should transcribe what can be heard and use a parenthetical such as (simultaneous discussion) to explain the overlap. Guessing attribution or leaving silent blanks misleads the reader. The reporter does not ask the court to strike testimony.

Question 35Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

An attorney asks the reporter to include a cover page identifying the case, court, and transcript type. Which title is most appropriate for a transcript of a pretrial motion hearing?

  1. Trial Transcript - Jury Verdict
  2. Deposition of the Plaintiff
  3. Transcript of Proceedings - Hearing on Motion in Limine Correct answer.
  4. Affidavit of the Court Reporter

Explanation

The cover title should accurately describe the proceeding, so a motion hearing transcript is titled accordingly. Deposition and verdict titles describe different events. An affidavit is a sworn statement, not a hearing transcript.

Question 36Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A witness uses a profanity during testimony. How should the reporter treat the word in the certified transcript?

  1. Substitute asterisks for the middle letters
  2. Omit the word and note [profanity]
  3. Transcribe the word exactly as spoken Correct answer.
  4. Replace it with a bracketed euphemism

Explanation

The certified transcript is a verbatim record, so profanity is transcribed exactly as spoken. Altering or omitting words changes the record and can affect appellate review. Euphemisms and masked spellings are not used in certified transcripts.

Question 37Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter discovers a typographical error in a certified transcript already delivered to the parties. What is the appropriate course?

  1. Ignore the error because the transcript is already certified
  2. Quietly substitute a new page in the original without notice
  3. Prepare and file a corrected page with a notation identifying the change Correct answer.
  4. Ask counsel to stipulate that the error be disregarded

Explanation

Errors in a delivered transcript are corrected openly through a corrected page or errata that identifies the change, preserving the integrity of the record. Silent substitution conceals alteration. Ignoring or stipulating away errors leaves an inaccurate record.

Question 38Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

In a deposition transcript, a witness's answer continues onto the next page. What does good practice require at the page break?

  1. Carry the answer across with no repeated question
  2. Insert the words 'answer continued'
  3. Start the answer over from the beginning
  4. Repeat the question at the top of the next page Correct answer.

Explanation

Deposition transcripts conventionally repeat the pending question at the top of each new page so the answer can be read in context. This aids readers who consult single pages. Restarting the answer or adding filler phrases is not standard.

Question 39Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A judge directs that a discussion be held off the record. Later, the same issue is discussed on the record. How should the reporter handle the off-record portion in the transcript?

  1. Transcribe the off-record discussion from memory
  2. Note that proceedings were held off the record, without transcribing the discussion Correct answer.
  3. Insert the off-record discussion in brackets
  4. Summarize the off-record discussion in a footnote

Explanation

Material that occurs off the record is not part of the official transcript; the reporter may note that proceedings were off the record but does not transcribe the content. Reconstructing it from memory or summarizing it would insert non-record material. Bracketing does not cure the problem.

Question 40Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi reporter is preparing an appellate transcript and must identify exhibits offered but not admitted. How should the exhibit index reflect this?

  1. List the exhibit only if the judge mentions it in the charge
  2. List the exhibit with a notation of its offered-but-not-admitted status Correct answer.
  3. Omit the exhibit because it was not admitted
  4. Include the exhibit under admitted exhibits without comment

Explanation

The exhibit index should list every exhibit marked or offered and note its status, including offers that were not admitted. Omitting such exhibits hides part of the record. Listing them as admitted would be inaccurate.

Question 41Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A witness testifies using a nickname for a defendant. How should the reporter handle the name in the transcript?

  1. Add a footnote explaining the nickname's origin
  2. Use the formal name only after the first mention
  3. Transcribe the nickname as spoken and note the identification when clarified Correct answer.
  4. Replace the nickname with the formal name throughout

Explanation

The reporter transcribes words as spoken and may note when the record clarifies the identity behind a nickname. Substituting the formal name changes the testimony. Footnotes explaining origin exceed the reporter's role.

Question 42Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter must indicate that a juror asked a question during trial. Which transcript convention is appropriate?

  1. A heading identifying the juror's question and the juror's number Correct answer.
  2. A marginal note in the judge's words
  3. A footnote listing all juror questions at the end
  4. A parenthetical stating 'jury question' without identifying the juror

Explanation

When a juror poses a question, the transcript identifies it with a heading or label indicating it is a juror question and, where known, the juror's number. This preserves clarity about who spoke. Generic parentheticals or end footnotes lose that specificity.

Question 43Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter notices that a witness's answer was translated by an interpreter who summarized rather than interpreted verbatim. How should the reporter proceed?

  1. Record the interpreter's words as spoken and note any concern on the record Correct answer.
  2. Substitute the reporter's own translation of the witness's answer
  3. Omit the answer because it was not verbatim
  4. Ask the interpreter to redo the answer after the witness leaves

Explanation

The reporter records what is spoken in the courtroom, including the interpreter's words, and may note a concern for the court to address. The reporter does not supply translations or remove testimony. Concerns are resolved on the record by the court, not by the reporter.

Question 44Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi reporter is asked to certify a transcript prepared from audio recordings made by the court's system rather than by the reporter personally. What is the key consideration?

  1. The reporter should certify only the pages the reporter typed
  2. The reporter may certify without reviewing the audio
  3. Certification is unnecessary because the audio is the official record
  4. The certificate must accurately describe the source and the reporter's basis for certification Correct answer.

Explanation

A certificate must truthfully state the basis on which the reporter can attest to accuracy, including the source of the recording and the review performed. Certifying without review would be false. Partial certification does not satisfy the requirement for a complete transcript.

Question 45Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

During trial, counsel requests that a portion of a witness's prior testimony be read back. How should the reporter reflect the readback in the transcript?

  1. Omit the readback because it repeats earlier testimony
  2. Insert only the words 'read back' with no page reference
  3. Reproduce the read-back testimony in full a second time
  4. Note the readback parenthetically and identify the pages or lines read Correct answer.

Explanation

A readback is noted parenthetically with a reference to the pages or lines read so the record shows what the jury heard without duplicating text. Omitting it hides an event of record. A bare phrase without reference is unhelpful.

Question 46Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter is transcribing a hearing where the judge speaks very rapidly while ruling. Which technique best preserves accuracy?

  1. Ask counsel after the hearing what the judge said
  2. Paraphrase the ruling into plain language
  3. Use the audio to verify the ruling and mark uncertain words for review before certifying Correct answer.
  4. Guess at the words and certify immediately

Explanation

When speech is rapid, the reporter verifies against the audio and resolves uncertain words before certification. Guessing and certifying risks an inaccurate record. Paraphrasing a ruling changes its legal content, and asking counsel substitutes memory for the record.

Question 47Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A transcript contains a colloquy in which three people speak in quick succession, and the reporter's notes do not clearly attribute one sentence. What is the most defensible approach?

  1. Attribute the sentence to the attorney who was questioning
  2. Attribute the sentence to the judge because the judge usually speaks last
  3. Review the audio and other available evidence to resolve attribution before certifying Correct answer.
  4. Leave the speaker blank and certify the transcript

Explanation

Attribution should be resolved through the best available evidence, such as audio review, before certification. Assuming the judge or questioning attorney spoke is speculation. Certifying a transcript with a blank speaker leaves an unresolved defect.

Question 48Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A Mississippi reporter is preparing a transcript for appeal and must decide how to handle a bench conference that was held on the record but out of the jury's hearing. What is the correct treatment?

  1. Transcribe the bench conference in full as part of the record Correct answer.
  2. Omit it because the jury did not hear it
  3. Summarize it in a footnote
  4. Redact it unless counsel requests otherwise

Explanation

A bench conference held on the record is part of the proceedings and is transcribed in full even though the jury did not hear it. Omitting, summarizing, or redacting it would deprive the appellate court of the record. The jury's ability to hear is irrelevant to transcription.

Question 49Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter realizes after certification that a page number sequence skips a number, though no text is missing. What is the best correction practice?

  1. Ignore it because no text is missing
  2. Re-certify the entire transcript without explanation
  3. Issue an erratum page explaining the numbering error and the correct sequence Correct answer.
  4. Renumber the pages by hand on each delivered copy

Explanation

Numbering defects should be corrected transparently through an erratum that explains the error and the correct sequence. Silent re-certification or hand renumbering of copies conceals the change. Ignoring it leaves a confusing record for appellate use.

Question 50Court reporting practice and transcript preparation

A reporter is asked to prepare a condensed transcript for a hearing the next morning, but the audio for one segment is unavailable. What is the most appropriate course?

  1. Reconstruct the missing segment from memory to complete the transcript
  2. Certify the transcript as complete without noting the gap
  3. Delay certification indefinitely without informing the court
  4. Note the unavailable segment on the record and certify only what can be accurately transcribed Correct answer.

Explanation

When a segment cannot be accurately transcribed, the reporter should disclose the gap and certify only what can be verified. Reconstructing from memory or certifying a known gap as complete would be false. Indefinite delay without notice deprives the court of needed information.