What should a court reporter do if they encounter a technical error in their recording?

When a court reporter encounters a technical error in their recording, seeking immediate assistance to rectify it is the most responsible course of action. This approach demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to accuracy in the legal process. Ensuring that the record is correct and complete is a fundamental duty of a court reporter. By addressing the issue promptly, the court reporter minimizes the risk of incomplete or inaccurate documentation, which could adversely affect the proceedings and the parties involved.

The importance of resolving technical issues on the spot cannot be overstated, as any delay in addressing such matters could lead to challenges in the integrity of the legal record. It is essential for the court reporter to have an awareness of their tools and the ability to troubleshoot issues as they arise, ensuring the reliability of the recording.

While documenting errors for future reference may also have merit, it does not take precedence over fixing issues as they happen. Ignoring the problem or blaming the equipment would not contribute to maintaining the standards expected of a court reporter, and could lead to serious repercussions in terms of accuracy and legal consequences. Taking immediate steps to resolve technical errors aligns with the ethical obligations of court reporters to uphold the sanctity of official records.