What should a court reporter do if there are issues retrieving exhibits from an attorney?

A court reporter facing issues retrieving exhibits from an attorney should contact a supervisor for assistance. This action is correct because it ensures that the reporter can escalate the matter to someone with the authority to intervene. Court reporters are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the court record, and any obstacles in retrieving exhibits could compromise that duty. By seeking help from a supervisor, the reporter can receive guidance on the best course of action, which may include formal procedures or protocols established by the court.

In situations like this, relying solely on the attorney to return the exhibits may not be prudent. Attorneys have various responsibilities and may not prioritize the return of exhibits without a reminder or formal intervention. Negotiating a new deposit agreement could be outside the reporter's purview and might not resolve the immediate issue of accessing the exhibits. Additionally, documenting the incident in the transcript is important, but it should not be the primary action to resolve the retrieval issue; rather, it serves as a record of any complications that occurred during the proceedings. Thus, contacting a supervisor is the most responsible and effective step in this scenario.