Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is the primary responsibility of a court reporter during a deposition?

1. Transcribe spoken words accurately

2. Provide legal advice

3. Act as a mediator between parties

4. Summarize discussions

The correct answer is: Transcribe spoken words accurately

The primary responsibility of a court reporter during a deposition is to transcribe spoken words accurately. This involves capturing everything that is said verbatim, which is crucial for creating a precise and authoritative record of the proceedings. The accuracy of this transcription is vital, as it can be used as evidence in legal matters, potentially influencing the outcome of cases. A court reporter employs specialized skills and technology to ensure that every word is recorded clearly, allowing for an official document that all parties can refer back to. In contrast to this primary responsibility, providing legal advice is outside the scope of a court reporter's duties. Their role is to document the proceedings, not to offer legal guidance. Acting as a mediator would involve facilitating communication and resolving disputes, which is not part of a court reporter's function. Summarizing discussions could result in the loss of important details and nuances; thus, it is not acceptable for a court reporter to engage in this practice when their job requires a complete and exact account of what was said.