Court Reporter Practice Exam

Which action should a court reporter take if a witness is uncooperative during testimony?

1. Document the non-cooperation in the transcript

2. Alert the judge and halt proceedings

3. Continue recording without interruption

4. Provide a summary of their statements

The correct answer is: Continue recording without interruption

When the witness is uncooperative, the most appropriate action for a court reporter is to continue recording without interruption. This approach ensures that all testimony, regardless of the witness's demeanor or level of cooperation, is accurately captured in the official record. The role of a court reporter is to provide a complete and precise transcript of the proceedings, including all verbal exchanges, whether cooperative or not. Maintaining an uninterrupted record is crucial, as it reflects the entirety of the court session and preserves the integrity of the legal process. The other options do not align with the primary responsibility of the court reporter. Documenting non-cooperation might introduce personal commentary or bias into the transcript, which is not the reporter's role. Halting proceedings to alert the judge could disrupt the flow of the court and may not be in the best interest of the trial. Lastly, providing a summary of the witness's statements would not meet the requirement for a verbatim account necessary for legal documentation. By sticking to the principle of continuous recording, the court reporter fulfills their duty effectively and maintains the accuracy of the judicial process.