How can a court reporter maintain professionalism during a trial?

Maintaining professionalism during a trial is essential for a court reporter, and minimizing personal opinions is crucial to achieving this. A court reporter's role is to provide an accurate and impartial record of the proceedings. By refraining from expressing personal views or biases, the reporter ensures that the recorded testimony is objective and unaffected by their own perspectives. This helps maintain the integrity of the court record and upholds the legal process, allowing all parties involved to rely on an unbiased account of what transpired during the trial.

Other options may seem appealing but can compromise professionalism. For example, engaging with witnesses or expressing sympathy might lead to perceptions of bias or partiality, which is not appropriate for someone responsible for maintaining an accurate record. Frequent breaks could be necessary for personal reasons but might disrupt the flow of the trial and could be viewed as unprofessional if not managed appropriately. Thus, the best practice for a court reporter in maintaining professionalism is to minimize personal opinions.