Court Reporter Practice Exam

When a party to a lawsuit requests a copy of a transcript, what should a court reporter do?

1. Request additional documentation from the party

2. Send a copy and an invoice

3. File the request with the court clerk

4. Obtain permission from the judge

The correct answer is: Send a copy and an invoice

When a party to a lawsuit requests a copy of a transcript, the appropriate action for a court reporter is to send a copy of the transcript along with an invoice. This practice aligns with standard procedures followed by court reporters, who are responsible for providing accurate records of court proceedings. The issuance of an invoice alongside the transcript not only acknowledges the work completed but also serves as a formal request for payment. This is important as court reporters often operate as independent contractors or private entities that charge for their services. By providing both the transcript and the invoice, the court reporter ensures that the request is fulfilled promptly while also maintaining a clear record of the transaction. Other choices involve actions that may not be necessary or could delay the process. For example, requesting additional documentation from the party or filing the request with the court clerk may create unnecessary hurdles. Additionally, obtaining permission from the judge could complicate matters since court reporters typically have the authority to fulfill transcript requests based on established procedures without needing judicial approval.