A court reporter administers the oath, records testimony verbatim, marks exhibits, and certifies the transcript. Certification requirements and titles vary by state.
The reporter must be a disinterested officer authorized to administer oaths.
Alternative Names:
Stenographer, Certified Court Reporter
Why it Matters?
The disinterested officer requirement is occasionally litigated where a reporting service has a contractual relationship with one party, and several states restrict volume discount arrangements for that reason. Reporter selection also affects transcript turnaround and cost, which matter under deadline pressure. Speaking clearly and avoiding simultaneous speech produces a better record and is worth mentioning to a witness during preparation.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Must the reporter be disinterested?
What produces a better transcript?
