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NM Court Reporter practice questions

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Question 1Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Under the New Mexico rules governing court reporters, which official is responsible for administering the oath to a certified court reporter before that reporter may take testimony?

  1. The district judge presiding in the courtroom
  2. The Administrative Office of the Courts
  3. The court reporter's supervising clerk of court
  4. The Supreme Court of New Mexico through its clerk Correct answer.

Explanation

In New Mexico, the Supreme Court has authority over certification of court reporters, and the oath of office is administered under that authority rather than by an individual presiding judge in each case. A judge may swear witnesses, but the reporter's own oath of office flows from the Supreme Court's certification process.

Question 2Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A court reporter is directed to record a proceeding in which the judge and counsel speak softly and several jurors whisper. What is the reporter's most appropriate immediate action?

  1. Ask the judge to instruct participants to speak clearly enough to be recorded Correct answer.
  2. Stop the proceeding until the bailiff quiets the courtroom
  3. Substitute a colleague who has sharper hearing
  4. Record what is audible and note the inaudible portions in the transcript

Explanation

A reporter must make a complete and accurate record, and the standard practice when audio conditions threaten accuracy is to request that the judge direct participants to speak up. Simply recording what is audible leaves gaps that compromise the record. Halting proceedings or swapping reporters is not within the reporter's authority.

Question 3Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which statement best describes the reporter's duty regarding off-the-record discussions between counsel at sidebar during a jury trial?

  1. The reporter records only what the judge directs to be made part of the record Correct answer.
  2. The reporter must summarize sidebar discussions in a narrative preface
  3. The reporter must record all sidebar whispers regardless of instructions
  4. The reporter may destroy notes of unrecorded sidebar discussions immediately

Explanation

The judge controls what becomes part of the official record, so a reporter transcribes sidebar conferences only when the judge orders them recorded. Unrecorded bench conferences are not part of the proceedings on the record. Reporters nonetheless retain notes under retention rules rather than destroying them at will.

Question 4Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

During voir dire, a prospective juror is asked and gives their name, occupation, and county of residence. How should the reporter handle this information in the transcript?

  1. Record only the juror's number and not the answers
  2. Transcribe the answers verbatim as part of the record Correct answer.
  3. Paraphrase the answers into a summary table
  4. Omit personal details to protect juror privacy

Explanation

Voir dire answers are part of the proceedings and are transcribed verbatim like other testimony. Reporters do not unilaterally redact or summarize sworn answers. Any sealing or privacy protection must be ordered by the court.

Question 5Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A witness testifies in Spanish through a certified interpreter. How does the reporter ordinarily capture the testimony in the English transcript?

  1. Record only a summary of the interpreter's rendition
  2. Transcribe the Spanish words and add an English translation later
  3. Transcribe both languages in parallel columns
  4. Transcribe the interpreter's English rendition as the testimony Correct answer.

Explanation

When testimony is given through a certified interpreter, the interpreter's English rendition is treated as the witness's testimony and is transcribed. The original-language words are not separately transcribed absent a specific order. Parallel or summarized formats are not standard.

Question 6Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which item is generally excluded from the body of a certified transcript of testimony?

  1. Counsel's objections and the court's rulings
  2. Exhibits identified and admitted at trial
  3. The judge's oral instructions to the jury
  4. The reporter's informal expense ledger Correct answer.

Explanation

A transcript contains the proceedings on the record: testimony, objections, rulings, admitted exhibits, and instructions. The reporter's personal billing or expense records are administrative and are not part of the transcript.

Question 7Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter takes rough notes in machine shorthand during a hearing. What is the standard status of those notes under New Mexico practice?

  1. They become public records the moment the hearing ends
  2. They must be given to counsel on request during trial
  3. They are the official record and must be filed with the clerk
  4. They are the reporter's working papers used to prepare the transcript Correct answer.

Explanation

Stenographic notes are working papers from which the certified transcript is produced; the transcript, not the notes, is the official record. Notes remain subject to retention requirements but are not filed as the record. Counsel do not receive raw notes during trial.

Question 8Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A party requests a transcript of a hearing held three months ago. What is the reporter's general obligation regarding preparation and certification?

  1. Refer the request to the bailiff for handling
  2. Provide an uncertified draft without signature
  3. Prepare and certify the transcript upon proper request and payment Correct answer.
  4. Refuse because the notes are no longer reliable

Explanation

A certified reporter is expected to prepare and certify transcripts of proceedings they recorded when a proper request is made and fees are arranged. Certification attests to the transcript's accuracy. Reporters cannot refuse merely because time has passed, nor may they issue uncertified substitutes.

Question 9Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

In a transcript, how is an unintelligible word or phrase most properly indicated?

  1. Left as a blank line
  2. Marked with a bracketed notation such as [inaudible] Correct answer.
  3. Omitted entirely with no mark
  4. Replaced with the reporter's best guess

Explanation

When a word cannot be understood, the reporter flags it with a bracketed notation so the reader knows something was said but could not be transcribed. Guessing risks inaccuracy, and silent omission or blank lines conceal the gap. The notation signals the limitation honestly.

Question 10Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A witness spells a surname letter by letter for the record. What is the accepted way to render this in the transcript?

  1. Write the name once in ordinary text
  2. Add a footnote with phonetic pronunciation
  3. Show the spelling with spaced or hyphenated letters as spoken Correct answer.
  4. Replace the name with initials

Explanation

When a witness spells a name for the record, the transcript reflects the spelling as given, commonly with spaced or hyphenated letters, so the record shows exactly what was said. This preserves the witness's own spelling and avoids later disputes. Footnotes or initials would alter the spoken record.

Question 11Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which practice best ensures accurate transcription of numbers and dollar amounts in testimony?

  1. Round amounts to the nearest thousand
  2. Convert all figures to words only
  3. Rely on memory and correct figures afterward
  4. Verify ambiguous figures against the spoken record and context Correct answer.

Explanation

Numbers and amounts are frequent sources of transcription error, so reporters verify ambiguous figures against what was actually said and the surrounding context. Memory-based correction and rounding introduce inaccuracy. Figures are typically rendered in numerals with words where clarity requires.

Question 12Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

During a deposition, counsel for one party objects and instructs the witness not to answer. What should the reporter do?

  1. Record the objection, the instruction, and any answer or refusal Correct answer.
  2. Stop the deposition until the judge rules
  3. Strike the objection from the record
  4. Advise the witness to answer over the objection

Explanation

The reporter's role is to capture the objection, the instruction not to answer, and whatever follows, including any answer or refusal, so the record is complete for later review. The reporter does not rule on objections, halt the deposition, or advise the witness. Those are matters for counsel and the court.

Question 13Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

What is the reporter's proper role when a speaker asks that a prior statement be read back during a hearing?

  1. Ask the bailiff to read the statement
  2. Summarize the prior statement from memory
  3. Read back the requested portion from the notes or transcript Correct answer.
  4. Decline because read-backs are not permitted

Explanation

Reporters commonly read back requested portions of the record when the judge directs it, using their notes or transcript. This is a routine part of preserving an accurate record. Summarizing from memory or delegating the read-back to the bailiff would compromise accuracy.

Question 14Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which conduct best preserves a reporter's neutrality and the integrity of the record during trial?

  1. Advising counsel on how to phrase questions
  2. Refraining from ex parte discussions about the case with counsel Correct answer.
  3. Discussing testimony with the jury during recess
  4. Editing testimony to remove damaging statements

Explanation

A reporter must remain a neutral officer of the court, avoiding ex parte communications about the case that could compromise impartiality or the record. Discussing testimony with jurors, coaching counsel, or editing testimony all violate that neutrality.

Question 15Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A judge orders a portion of testimony sealed and excluded from public view. How should the reporter handle that portion in the transcript?

  1. Delete it permanently from all copies
  2. Replace it with a note that testimony occurred
  3. Publish it because transcripts are public documents
  4. Include it under seal as directed by the court's order Correct answer.

Explanation

When the court orders material sealed, the reporter includes the testimony in the transcript but handles it under seal according to the order, preserving the record while restricting access. Permanent deletion destroys the record, and unrestricted publication violates the sealing order.

Question 16Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which best describes the reporter's responsibility for marking and identifying exhibits during a hearing?

  1. Refuse to mark exhibits without written stipulation
  2. Assign exhibit numbers as directed and note identification and admission Correct answer.
  3. Decide independently which exhibits are relevant
  4. Take custody of all exhibits after the hearing

Explanation

Reporters commonly mark exhibits with numbers or letters as counsel or the court directs and note on the record when each is identified and admitted. The reporter does not decide relevance, demand stipulations, or assume custody of exhibits.

Question 17Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A witness begins speaking simultaneously with opposing counsel's objection. What is the reporter's best approach in the transcript?

  1. Attribute the overlapping words to counsel only
  2. Merge both speakers into a single unattributed block
  3. Capture both as accurately as possible and flag any uncertainty Correct answer.
  4. Omit the witness's words entirely

Explanation

When speakers overlap, the reporter captures as much as can be accurately discerned and flags any uncertainty rather than guessing. Attributing overlapping words to only one speaker or omitting them misstates the record. Merging speakers without attribution obscures who said what.

Question 18Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which element is essential to a properly certified transcript page in New Mexico practice?

  1. The court clerk's seal on every page
  2. The bailiff's initials in the margin
  3. A juror's signature at the end
  4. The reporter's certification signed under penalty of perjury Correct answer.

Explanation

Certification is the reporter's signed attestation, made under penalty of perjury, that the transcript accurately reflects the proceedings. It is the reporter's own assurance of accuracy. Bailiff initials, a clerk's seal on each page, and juror signatures are not certification requirements.

Question 19Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter realizes after filing that a transcript contains a substantive transcription error. What is the appropriate course?

  1. Ignore it because filed transcripts cannot be changed
  2. Seek correction through the court's established procedure with notice Correct answer.
  3. Quietly alter the filed copy without notice
  4. Ask counsel to amend the transcript privately

Explanation

Errors in a filed transcript are corrected through the court's established procedure, typically by motion or stipulation with notice, so the official record reflects the correction transparently. Quiet alteration or private amendment conceals the change and undermines the record's integrity.

Question 20Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which statement accurately describes the reporter's handling of bench conferences that the judge orders recorded?

  1. The conference is excluded because it occurs at the bench
  2. The conference is transcribed and made part of the record Correct answer.
  3. The conference is summarized in a footnote
  4. The conference is recorded only if counsel agree

Explanation

When the judge orders a bench conference recorded, it becomes part of the official record and is transcribed like other proceedings. Location at the bench does not exclude it, and counsel's agreement is not required once the judge so orders. Summarizing in a footnote would not satisfy the order.

Question 21Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

What is the primary purpose of realtime transcription in a courtroom?

  1. To provide simultaneous text access for the judge or counsel Correct answer.
  2. To replace the official certified transcript
  3. To record only the judge's rulings
  4. To create a searchable database for the public

Explanation

Realtime transcription streams the reporter's keystrokes as text so the judge, counsel, or a litigant can read the proceedings as they occur, often for accessibility. It supplements rather than replaces the certified transcript. It is not limited to rulings and is not primarily a public database tool.

Question 22Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter is asked to record a proceeding in a language they do not understand, with no interpreter present. What is the proper response?

  1. Notify the court that a qualified interpreter is needed Correct answer.
  2. Record only the English portions
  3. Decline to appear without explanation
  4. Record phonetically and later attempt translation alone

Explanation

A reporter cannot produce an accurate English record of testimony in a language they do not understand, so the court must be notified that a qualified interpreter is required. Attempting later translation, silent refusal, or partial recording all fail to preserve a complete and accurate record.

Question 23Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which practice best protects the security and integrity of a reporter's electronic stenographic files?

  1. Storing unencrypted copies on shared public drives
  2. Maintaining backups and controlled access to case files Correct answer.
  3. Deleting files once the transcript is delivered
  4. Emailing raw files to all parties routinely

Explanation

Electronic files should be backed up and access-controlled to prevent loss, tampering, or unauthorized disclosure, consistent with confidentiality obligations. Public shared drives, routine mass distribution, and premature deletion all jeopardize the integrity and retention of the record.

Question 24Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

How should a reporter treat a witness's non-verbal response, such as a nod, that is described on the record by counsel?

  1. Ignore it because only spoken words count
  2. Insert the reporter's own interpretation of the gesture
  3. Transcribe the description as it appears on the record Correct answer.
  4. Ask the witness to repeat the gesture

Explanation

When counsel or the court describes a non-verbal response for the record, the reporter transcribes that description as part of the proceedings. The reporter does not invent an interpretation or require the witness to repeat the gesture. Ignoring it would omit record content.

Question 25Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which statement correctly distinguishes the reporter's duty to the court from duties to the parties who requested the transcript?

  1. The reporter follows the requesting party's editing instructions
  2. The reporter defers to counsel on disputed transcript content
  3. The reporter serves whichever party pays the highest fee
  4. The reporter owes primary fidelity to the accuracy of the official record Correct answer.

Explanation

The reporter's paramount obligation is to produce an accurate official record for the court, regardless of who orders or pays for copies. Requesting parties may obtain transcripts but cannot direct edits, and payment does not purchase influence over content. Disputed content is resolved by the court, not by counsel's preference.

Question 26Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

In New Mexico district court proceedings, which person is responsible for administering the oath to a witness before testimony begins when the judge directs the reporter to do so?

  1. The clerk of the court alone
  2. The bailiff assigned to the courtroom
  3. The court reporter, upon the judge's direction Correct answer.
  4. The party calling the witness

Explanation

Court reporters commonly administer oaths and affirmations to witnesses when the court directs it, and the oath must be placed on the record before testimony. The clerk, bailiff, and calling party do not assume this function merely because a reporter is present.

Question 27Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter is assigned to a proceeding and realizes a personal relationship with one of the parties could create an appearance of partiality. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Disclose the relationship to the court so reassignment can be considered Correct answer.
  2. Record the proceeding but decline to certify the transcript
  3. Proceed silently and rely on professional discipline to stay neutral
  4. Ask the party to request a different reporter privately

Explanation

A reporter should promptly disclose any relationship that could compromise or appear to compromise impartiality so the court can decide whether reassignment is needed. Silent self-policing or private arrangements with a party undermine the appearance of neutrality, and refusing certification after the fact is not a substitute for disclosure.

Question 28Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which term describes the verbatim record of proceedings prepared from a reporter's stenographic notes and certified as accurate?

  1. Docket sheet
  2. Minute entry
  3. Transcript Correct answer.
  4. Brief

Explanation

A transcript is the certified verbatim rendering of the spoken record prepared from the reporter's notes. A docket sheet and minute entry are court-maintained case summaries, and a brief is an attorney's argumentative filing.

Question 29Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

During a hearing, a witness testifies through a certified interpreter. How should the reporter generally render the interpreted testimony in the transcript?

  1. Record only the foreign-language words spoken by the witness
  2. Record both languages in parallel columns on each page
  3. Omit the testimony and note that an interpreter was used
  4. Record the English interpretation as the witness's testimony Correct answer.

Explanation

When testimony is given through a certified interpreter, the English interpretation is recorded as the testimony because that is what the court and parties hear and rely on. Omitting the substance or attempting untrained transcription of the source language would impair the record.

Question 30Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

What is the standard unit of payment for transcript production in New Mexico court reporting practice?

  1. Per exhibit marked during trial
  2. Per hour of courtroom time only
  3. Per page of the completed transcript Correct answer.
  4. Per word of testimony recorded

Explanation

Transcript fees are conventionally calculated per page of the finished transcript, often at rates that vary by delivery deadline and original versus copy status. Hourly courtroom attendance, exhibit counts, and word counts are not the standard billing unit for transcript production.

Question 31Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter is asked to prepare an expedited transcript for an appeal with a short deadline. Which practice best supports meeting the deadline without sacrificing accuracy?

  1. Certify the first draft immediately and correct errors later without notice
  2. Produce a draft for review while continuing to proofread before certification Correct answer.
  3. Delegate all transcription to an untrained assistant without review
  4. Skip proofreading because the deadline is court-ordered

Explanation

Expedited delivery still requires verification, so producing a draft while continuing to proofread preserves both speed and reliability before certification. Certifying unverified work or skipping quality control defeats the purpose of a certified record.

Question 32Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which item is properly included in a transcript's title page or caption?

  1. The case name, court, and proceeding date Correct answer.
  2. The judge's personal contact information
  3. The names of jurors who were excused
  4. The reporter's personal billing rate

Explanation

The caption identifies the case and proceeding, including the court, parties, and date, so the transcript can be matched to the record. Billing rates, excused jurors, and personal contact details of the judge are not part of the caption.

Question 33Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter is subpoenaed to testify about what occurred during a proceeding they reported. What is the reporter's general obligation?

  1. Provide only the stenographic notes without explanation
  2. Testify truthfully about observations while relying on the transcript as the record Correct answer.
  3. Testify only if both parties consent in writing
  4. Refuse to testify because reporters are exempt from subpoenas

Explanation

A reporter who observed the proceeding may be compelled to testify truthfully, and the certified transcript is the authoritative record of what was said. There is no blanket reporter exemption from subpoenas, and notes alone do not substitute for testimony.

Question 34Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A deposition transcript includes a stipulation by counsel that changes the usual procedure for signing and filing. How should the reporter handle that stipulation?

  1. Omit the stipulation because it is not testimony
  2. Record the stipulation verbatim in the transcript at the point made Correct answer.
  3. Ask the judge to restate the stipulation on the record
  4. Summarize the stipulation in a footnote on the last page

Explanation

Stipulations made on the record are part of the record and must be transcribed verbatim where they occur. Summarizing, omitting, or requiring judicial restatement would alter the parties' agreement as reflected in the transcript.

Question 35Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter is preparing a transcript and encounters an obvious slip of the tongue by counsel that changes meaning. What is the accepted approach?

  1. Transcribe the words as spoken, with no silent correction Correct answer.
  2. Insert the reporter's opinion of what counsel meant
  3. Correct the wording silently to reflect counsel's likely intent
  4. Delete the statement entirely to avoid confusion

Explanation

The transcript must reproduce what was actually said; the reporter does not edit testimony to improve it. Silent correction, deletion, or editorial commentary would misrepresent the record and exceed the reporter's role.

Question 36Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

During trial, counsel asks the reporter to mark a document as the next exhibit. What information should the reporter record?

  1. Only the exhibit number, with no description
  2. The exhibit number or letter, a description, and the party offering it Correct answer.
  3. The exhibit's contents in full within the transcript
  4. The reporter's opinion on the exhibit's admissibility

Explanation

Exhibit marking requires identifying the item by number or letter, describing it sufficiently for the record, and noting the offering party. Reproducing full contents or opining on admissibility is beyond the reporter's function.

Question 37Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A judge asks the reporter to go off the record during a sidebar. What should the reporter do before ceasing transcription?

  1. Ask counsel whether they object to going off the record
  2. Stop immediately without any notation
  3. Note the time and the fact that the proceeding went off the record Correct answer.
  4. Continue recording in secret

Explanation

When the court directs that the record be suspended, the reporter should note the time and the off-the-record status so the transcript accurately reflects the gap. Stopping silently, secret recording, or polling counsel would misstate or exceed the court's direction.

Question 38Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A party requests a daily copy of trial transcripts during a multi-week trial. What does this typically require of the reporter?

  1. Delivering a fully certified transcript each evening without exception
  2. Providing only audio recordings instead of transcripts
  3. Refusing daily copy because certification takes weeks
  4. Producing a rough draft each day with final certified copy to follow on an agreed schedule Correct answer.

Explanation

Daily copy usually involves expedited rough drafts each day, with final certified transcripts delivered afterward on an agreed schedule. Promising fully certified same-day delivery is unrealistic, and refusing or substituting audio does not meet the request.

Question 39Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter discovers that a witness's name was misspelled throughout a completed transcript. What is the proper course?

  1. Ignore the error because the substance is unaffected
  2. Ask the witness to refile the transcript personally
  3. Alter the original transcript without any record of the change
  4. Prepare a corrected errata sheet or corrected pages identifying the changes Correct answer.

Explanation

Corrections to a certified transcript should be documented through an errata sheet or corrected pages that identify each change. Silent alteration or ignoring the error undermines the integrity of the certified record, and witnesses do not refile transcripts.

Question 40Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which practice best protects a reporter's ability to defend the accuracy of a transcript months after the proceeding?

  1. Storing notes only on a personal device without backup
  2. Destroying notes immediately after transcription to save space
  3. Retaining stenographic notes and electronic files under a consistent retention policy Correct answer.
  4. Relying solely on memory of the proceeding

Explanation

Notes and electronic files should be retained under a consistent policy so accuracy can be verified or defended later. Destroying notes, relying on unbacked personal devices, or depending on memory leaves the reporter unable to substantiate the record.

Question 41Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter is asked to prepare a transcript for a proceeding in which a portion was sealed by court order. How should the sealed portion be handled in the public transcript?

  1. Include the sealed material because the transcript is a public record
  2. Ask the parties to decide whether to include it
  3. Omit or redact the sealed material as the order directs and note the sealing Correct answer.
  4. Include the sealed material only in copies sold to the press

Explanation

The reporter follows the sealing order by omitting or redacting the protected material and noting that a portion was sealed. Including sealed material in a public transcript violates the order, and the parties do not override the court's directive.

Question 42Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which statement best describes the reporter's obligation when a party requests a transcript of a proceeding that is under a pending appeal?

  1. Provide only a verbal summary of the testimony
  2. Produce the transcript in accordance with court rules and any appeal deadlines Correct answer.
  3. Delay indefinitely until the appeal concludes
  4. Refer the party to the judge's personal notes

Explanation

Appeal deadlines are strict, and the reporter must produce the transcript in accordance with applicable rules and scheduling orders. Indefinite delay, verbal summaries, and referral to the judge's notes do not fulfill the reporter's duty.

Question 43Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A witness gives an answer that is partially inaudible despite the reporter's best efforts. What is the appropriate transcript notation?

  1. A parenthetical indicating the portion was inaudible Correct answer.
  2. A blank space with no notation
  3. The reporter's request that counsel rephrase, inserted as testimony
  4. A guess at the likely words based on context

Explanation

When a portion of testimony cannot be heard, the reporter uses a clear parenthetical noting the inaudible portion rather than guessing. Guessing risks inaccuracy, blank space obscures the gap, and inserting a request as testimony misstates the record.

Question 44Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

Which statement best explains the reporter's duty regarding the confidentiality of grand jury proceedings?

  1. The reporter may share grand jury transcripts with any interested attorney
  2. The reporter may discuss grand jury testimony freely after the term ends
  3. The reporter must not disclose grand jury testimony except as authorized by law or court order Correct answer.
  4. The reporter may sell grand jury transcripts to the media

Explanation

Grand jury proceedings are secret, and the reporter is bound not to disclose testimony except when law or court order authorizes it. Free discussion after the term, media sales, and unrestricted sharing all violate grand jury secrecy.

Question 45Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter's computer is stolen and contains unencrypted transcripts of sealed proceedings. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Wait to see whether the transcripts surface before acting
  2. Notify the court promptly and follow any applicable data-breach procedures Correct answer.
  3. Recreate the transcripts from memory and say nothing
  4. Blame the theft on the courthouse and take no action

Explanation

Loss of sealed or confidential material requires prompt notice to the court and adherence to data-breach procedures so affected parties can respond. Waiting, concealing the loss, or deflecting blame leaves confidential material exposed and compounds the breach.

Question 46Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter is asked to prepare a transcript that will be offered to impeach a witness with a prior inconsistent statement. Which practice best serves that purpose?

  1. Paraphrase the prior statement to improve clarity
  2. Transcribe the prior statement verbatim with accurate question-and-answer structure Correct answer.
  3. Combine the witness's answers into a narrative summary
  4. Omit objections that interrupted the prior statement

Explanation

Impeachment depends on an exact, verbatim record of the prior statement, including the question-and-answer structure and any interruptions such as objections. Paraphrasing, omitting objections, or narrating answers would distort the very words used to impeach.

Question 47Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A judge requests that the reporter read back only a specific witness's answer from earlier in the trial. What is the reporter's proper response?

  1. Decline because read-backs are limited to counsel
  2. Locate and read the requested answer accurately from the record Correct answer.
  3. Read the entire testimony of the witness to be safe
  4. Summarize the answer from memory

Explanation

The reporter should locate and read the specific requested portion accurately, because the court controls the scope of the read-back. Reading the entire testimony, refusing, or summarizing from memory would not fulfill the judge's precise request.

Question 48Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A party asks the reporter to alter a certified transcript to remove an unfavorable admission. What is the reporter's proper response?

  1. Decline, because a certified transcript may be corrected only through proper procedures Correct answer.
  2. Ask the judge to decide without informing other parties
  3. Comply if the party signs a written request
  4. Comply but keep a private copy of the original

Explanation

A certified transcript cannot be altered at a party's request; corrections must follow proper procedures such as a motion or errata process. Complying, secretly retaining an original, or ex parte consultation would compromise the integrity of the record.

Question 49Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A reporter must balance a court's scheduling order requiring a transcript within ten days against a party's request for extensive formatting changes. What is the best approach?

  1. Meet the court's deadline and resolve formatting requests within applicable rules Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the court's deadline in favor of the party's preferences
  3. Produce an uncertified draft and treat it as the final transcript
  4. Delay the transcript until all formatting requests are settled

Explanation

The court's scheduling order governs, and formatting requests should be addressed within applicable rules without delaying compliance. Deferring to a party's preferences over the court's deadline, or substituting an uncertified draft for the final transcript, would violate the reporter's obligations.

Question 50Court Reporting Practice and Procedures

A witness uses a profanity during testimony. How should the reporter generally render it in the transcript?

  1. Substitute a milder synonym
  2. Omit the word and note that profanity was used
  3. Transcribe the word as spoken without substitution Correct answer.
  4. Replace it with a dash to protect readers

Explanation

The transcript must reproduce the words actually spoken, including profanity, because altering them changes the record. Dashes, omission with a note, or synonyms all depart from verbatim transcription.