What should a court reporter do if faced with questionable behavior from an attorney?

When faced with questionable behavior from an attorney, documenting the behavior and reporting it to the appropriate authority is the correct course of action for a court reporter. This approach upholds the integrity of the judicial process and ensures that any unethical or inappropriate conduct is addressed appropriately.

By documenting the behavior, the court reporter creates a record that can be valuable for authorities investigating the matter. Reporting it to the relevant authority, such as the court or a professional ethics board, ensures that the situation is handled by those designated to take appropriate measures. This method adheres to the ethical obligations of a court reporter, who must maintain the accuracy and integrity of the court proceedings.

Ignoring the behavior, regardless of whether it appears to directly affect the case, can lead to larger issues not only for the case at hand but for the judicial system as a whole. Confronting the attorney directly in the courtroom may disrupt proceedings and could result in further conflict, which is not the court reporter's role. Seeking advice from colleagues without official documentation does not address the behavior and lacks the necessary formal process to ensure accountability. Therefore, maintaining professional ethics requires the reporter to document and report appropriately.