Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is required for each item of physical evidence in a report?

1. A digital copy

2. A photocopy

3. An affidavit

4. A summary

The correct answer is: A photocopy

The requirement for each item of physical evidence in a report is to provide a photocopy. This is crucial because photocopies serve as accurate representations of the original evidence, ensuring that the details can be reviewed and verified without altering or damaging the actual items. Photocopies allow for the preservation of the original evidence while still documenting its presence and condition at the time of the report, which is important in legal contexts where the integrity and authenticity of evidence need to be maintained. Digital copies, affidavits, or summaries may not fully capture the specific details and the context of the physical evidence in the same way that a photocopy does. Digital copies depend on technology availability and could have issues with accessibility in court settings, while affidavits pertain more to the attestation of facts rather than direct evidence presentation. Summaries, although helpful for providing an overview, do not replace the need for actual documentation of the evidence itself. Thus, the use of a photocopy is an essential practice for maintaining the integrity of the evidence chain in legal reporting.