What is the court reporter's responsibility regarding the pace of the proceeding?

The responsibility of the court reporter in relation to the pace of the proceeding primarily revolves around controlling the flow of the record and ensuring that all aspects of the proceedings are accurately captured. This involves not only transcribing what is being said but also respecting the need for pauses, which may arise due to various factors such as objections, sidebars, or the need for clarification.

By controlling the pace, the court reporter ensures that the transcript remains clear and that each party has the opportunity to present their case without undue rush or interruption. This includes recognizing moments when a pause is warranted—such as during objections—thus allowing the judge and the attorneys to address those objections without losing the entirety of the testimony being given.

While speeding up questioning or summarizing key points may seem beneficial in some contexts, these actions do not align with the core responsibilities of a court reporter. The priority is always to provide an accurate and complete record of the proceedings, which can only be achieved by properly managing the pace, including incorporating necessary pauses.