CLT Grammar & Punctuation for Legal Transcription 3

Question 1

How should ellipses be used in a legal transcript to indicate omitted material within a quoted passage?

Accepted Answer

Three dots (...) indicate omitted words within a sentence

Answer

Three spaced dots (...) indicate omitted words within a quoted sentence; when the omission follows a complete sentence, a period is added before the ellipsis for a total of four dots.

Question 2

In a legal transcript, when is an em dash (—) used rather than a hyphen (-)?

Accepted Answer

To show an abrupt break, interruption, or strong parenthetical emphasis

Answer

An em dash indicates an abrupt break in speech, an interruption, or a strong parenthetical aside, all of which are common in verbatim deposition and hearing transcripts.

Question 3

When an exhibit is referenced in a deposition transcript, how is it typically formatted in the text?

Accepted Answer

It is enclosed in parentheses (e.g., (Exhibit A)) or set off with a dash

Answer

Exhibit references in depositions are commonly set off in parentheses or with a dash to distinguish them as notations within the transcript body.

Question 4

If a number begins a sentence in a legal transcript, what is the correct approach?

Accepted Answer

Spell out the number as a word

Answer

Standard style rules require that any number beginning a sentence be spelled out as a word, even if it would otherwise be written as a numeral within a sentence.

Question 5

How should a legal transcriptionist indicate inaudible speech in a verbatim transcript?

Accepted Answer

Write '[INAUDIBLE]' or '(inaudible)' at the location of the unclear speech

Answer

Using '[INAUDIBLE]' or '(inaudible)' at the exact location alerts the reader that audio was not discernible, maintaining accuracy and transparency in the record.

(CLT) Certified Legal Transcriptionist Practice Test

(CLT) Certified Legal Transcriptionist Practice Test

CLT Grammar & Punctuation for Legal Transcription 3