Transcript Preparation and Formatting
What the exam tests
This domain tests whether you can produce a transcript that meets New Mexico filing and practice expectations: title page, certification, page and line numbering, witness and exhibit indexes, parentheticals, exhibit handling, errata, and delivery deadlines. Questions often ask which item is required or what to do when a transcript must be corrected.
Core rules
- Use a consistent transcript format: numbered lines (commonly 25 per page), page numbers, margins, and a title page identifying the court, case number, parties, judge, proceeding, date, and reporter.
- Include a reporter’s certificate signed under penalty of perjury or per applicable rule, stating the transcript is a true and accurate record.
- Index witnesses and exhibits, with the page where each appears or is marked.
- Show non-verbal events parenthetically: (Exhibit 1 marked), (Witness sworn), (Recess taken at 10:15 a.m.).
- Follow appellate and e-filing deadlines; late transcripts can affect briefing and sanctions.
- Correct errors only by errata, stipulation, or court order; never silently change certified text.
Worked example
A deposition transcript includes Exhibit 2, a photograph. The body says, “(Exhibit 2 marked for identification.)” The exhibit index must list “Exhibit 2 - Photograph - Marked at page 34.” The certificate must be signed and dated. Reasoning: the index and certificate make the transcript self-authenticating and navigable; a body reference alone is incomplete.
Traps
Omitting the certificate; inconsistent exhibit labels between body and index; missing line numbers on a page; failing to note a recess; changing a speaker label after certification; missing the errata deadline.