Court Reporter Practice Exam

For how long must a CSR preserve notes of an oral deposition?

1. 1 year

2. 2 years

3. 3 years

4. 5 years

The correct answer is: 3 years

The correct duration for a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) to preserve notes of an oral deposition is three years. This requirement is based on the regulations and standards set by court reporting organizations and state laws governing the retention of deposition notes, which ensure that there is a reliable and available record if needed for future reference or legal proceedings. The three-year retention period is designed to balance the need for accessibility to the notes with the practicalities of storage and management. After this time, it is generally accepted that the likelihood of the notes being needed for review diminishes, thus allowing for the clearance of archives while still maintaining compliance with legal standards. It is important to note that various jurisdictions may have their own specific laws regarding the retention of deposition notes, and a CSR must be aware of the regulations applicable to their practice region. This emphasis on a three-year preservation period aims to ensure not only that there is documentation available for potential court actions but also promotes accountability and professionalism in the court reporting field.