How should a court reporter deal with nonresponsive witnesses?

The most appropriate way for a court reporter to deal with nonresponsive witnesses is to document the witness's behavior without bias. This approach aligns with the ethical responsibilities of a court reporter to maintain a clear and accurate record of the proceedings. By objectively noting the behavior of a nonresponsive witness, the reporter ensures that any relevant issues regarding witness testimony are accurately reflected in the official record. This documentation may later assist the court or legal teams in understanding the context of the witness's unresponsiveness during the proceedings.

This method also avoids introducing personal judgment into the reporting process, which is critical for upholding the integrity and impartiality of the court record. Keeping an accurate and neutral account of events ensures that the court has a reliable reference regarding the conduct of witnesses, which can influence how the case is adjudicated.

Other options may not serve the best interests of the judicial process. For example, ignoring the witness does not contribute to resolving the issue and can lead to incomplete or misleading records. Reporting the witness to the judge might prematurely escalate the situation rather than allowing for a more measured response within the context of the proceedings. Requesting a recess could interfere with the flow of the trial and may not be necessary or appropriate unless the circumstances warrant such an interruption. Each of