What should a court reporter do if they encounter a technical problem during a session?

If a court reporter encounters a technical problem during a session, notifying the judge immediately is the most appropriate course of action. This choice emphasizes the significance of maintaining the integrity of the record being created. Promptly informing the judge allows for immediate awareness of the issue, which can help ensure that necessary measures are taken to address the situation.

The court relies on the court reporter to provide an accurate and complete record of proceedings, and any technical disruption can potentially compromise that record. As such, the court has a vested interest in knowing about any problems as they arise so that any necessary adjustments can be made—for example, allowing for a brief pause in proceedings or transitioning to alternative recording methods if needed.

Addressing the problem promptly also demonstrates professionalism and accountability on the part of the court reporter, reinforcing trust between the court and the reporter.