Court Reporting Ethics, Confidentiality, and Impartiality
Domain 5: Court Reporting Ethics, Confidentiality, and Impartiality
This domain tests whether you can remain a neutral, accurate officer of the court under pressure. Ethics rules require independence, confidentiality, and fidelity to the record-not loyalty to the attorney who hired you.
Core duties
- Transcribe accurately; do not omit, add, or “clean up” testimony to help a party.
- Avoid ex parte discussions about a case with counsel, parties, or witnesses.
- Protect sealed, confidential, juvenile, and victim information; disclose only as authorized by law or court order.
- Disclose conflicts and avoid gifts or favors that could compromise neutrality.
- Do not give legal advice or act as an advocate.
- Maintain custody and security of notes, audio, and transcripts.
Worked example
After a deposition, counsel asks you to “fix” a damaging answer because the witness “misspoke.” You may correct an obvious transcription error if the audio supports it and the correction follows the applicable errata procedure. You may not change the substance of the answer. The correct response is to explain the errata process and preserve the original record. If the witness wants to change testimony, the proper route is a signed errata sheet or a court order-not a private edit.
Traps that cost marks
Editing testimony to avoid embarrassment; discussing a case in the hallway; accepting a gift from a party; disclosing a sealed transcript to a curious colleague; and becoming friendly with one side in a way that affects formatting choices. Impartiality is shown by consistent treatment of all speakers and parties.