Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is required of a court reporter after a defendant is convicted and does not appeal?

1. File their personal notes with the prosecutor

2. File untranscribed notes or recordings with the court clerk

3. Report to the appellate court directly

4. Prepare a summary of the trial proceedings

The correct answer is: File untranscribed notes or recordings with the court clerk

After a defendant is convicted and does not appeal, the court reporter is required to file untranscribed notes or recordings with the court clerk. This step is critical for maintaining an accurate and complete record of the trial. The untranscribed notes serve as the official documentation of all proceedings, which can be necessary for future reference, should any issues arise later related to the case, such as post-conviction motions or inquiries regarding proceedings. Filing these materials ensures that there is a comprehensive archive of the trial that can be accessed if needed, preserving the integrity of the judicial process. This procedure also aligns with the legal obligations that court reporters have regarding the maintenance of records from court proceedings. It’s a vital aspect of their role in the justice system, emphasizing the importance of accountability and accuracy in reporting.