What is the typical response if a lawyer tries to obtain a reporter’s notes?

The correct response in this scenario is grounded in the principles of confidentiality that govern a court reporter's work. Court reporters have a professional obligation to protect the privacy of the testimony they record, as this is often sensitive information that can include personal, proprietary, or privileged content.

By refusing the request based on confidentiality, the reporter upholds the integrity of the legal process and adheres to ethical standards that prohibit the disclosure of notes or records without proper authorization. This helps ensure that the information remains secure and that the rights of the parties involved in the legal proceedings are respected. Additionally, court reporter confidentiality is often upheld by law, and violating this duty could lead to legal repercussions.

This response reinforces the critical nature of maintaining confidentiality in the legal environment, which is central to the trust and respect between court reporters, attorneys, and the judicial system. Other options fail to recognize this important duty, as sharing notes, providing a summary, or consulting a supervisor might undermine the ethical responsibilities inherent in a court reporter's role.