When reading back a portion of testimony, what is a court reporter required to do?

A court reporter plays a critical role in ensuring that the record of the proceedings is accurate and complete. When reading back a portion of testimony, it is essential for the reporter to remind the parties not to resume questioning until they are ready. This procedure is in place to maintain the integrity of the proceedings. The pauses necessary for reading back testimony can cause disruption, and without proper communication, it may lead to misunderstandings.

By ensuring that questioning does not resume immediately, the court reporter allows the parties, including the judge and attorneys, to process the information just presented. This pause facilitates clarity and ensures that everyone is on the same page before continuing, thereby preventing any miscommunication or errors in the ongoing proceedings.

In addition, re-engagement in questioning should come only after the parties have had adequate time to reflect on the testimony that was read back. This practice underscores the court reporter's responsibility to uphold the accuracy and reliability of the spoken record in a legal setting.