What must accompany a rough draft?

A rough draft must be accompanied by a cover page stating it is a draft and may not be quoted in any proceeding to ensure clarity and transparency about the document's status. This practice is vital within court reporting ethics because it helps to prevent any misunderstandings regarding the use of the draft in legal contexts. By clearly labeling the document as a draft, court reporters communicate that it is still a work in progress and not the final, official record, thus safeguarding the integrity of the reporting process.

This requirement is in place to protect both the reporter and the parties involved by indicating that the draft has not undergone final review or approval, and any statements within it should not be regarded as definitive. This ensures that all parties understand the context of the document and do not rely on potentially incomplete or inaccurate information.

Other options do not fulfill this critical function. An approval letter from the court, a detailed analysis of witness statements, or a signature from the witness, while potentially useful in different contexts, do not address the essential need for clear communication about the draft’s provisional status within legal proceedings. Therefore, the cover page is the appropriate accompaniment to a rough draft in the context of court reporting ethics.