What should a court reporter do if asked to mark an exhibit while an attorney is questioning?

When a court reporter is asked to mark an exhibit while an attorney is questioning a witness, it is essential to uphold the integrity of the questioning process and ensure clarity in the record. By requesting that the attorney pause in their questioning, the court reporter ensures that the exhibit is properly marked without interrupting the flow of the examination or creating confusion for the witness, the attorney, or the court.

This practice maintains a clear and uninterrupted communication channel throughout the proceeding. Marking an exhibit during questioning could lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication, which could negatively affect the accuracy of the transcript. By pausing the questioning, the court reporter also allows for a moment of focus on the exhibit, ensuring that all parties have the opportunity to see and reference it appropriately before resuming the questioning.

In contrast, marking the exhibit without interruption can lead to confusion, as the attorney's lines of questioning may not be clear in the record. Similarly, waiting until the questioning is finished can cause unnecessary delays in the proceedings and may not reflect the timing of when the exhibit was presented. Recording the request in the transcript alone does not address the immediate need to ensure clarity and precision while questioning is ongoing.