CSR Ethics, Professional Responsibility & Confidentiality 2

Question 1

A court reporter discovers mid-deposition that opposing counsel is also a personal friend. What is the most ethically appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the relationship to both parties and allow them to decide how to proceed

Answer

Court reporters must disclose any relationship that could create the appearance of partiality and allow both parties to make an informed decision.

Question 2

Under NCRA ethics guidelines, a certified court reporter may NOT:

Accepted Answer

Transcribe proceedings in which they have a financial interest in the outcome

Answer

A court reporter with a financial interest in the outcome of a case is prohibited from serving in that proceeding to preserve impartiality.

Question 3

A scopist contacts a court reporter asking to see the original steno notes for a transcript they are editing. The reporter should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse unless a formal written agreement protecting confidentiality is in place

Answer

Scopists and other third parties assisting with transcription must be bound by confidentiality agreements before accessing case materials.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the court reporter's duty regarding the verbatim record?

Accepted Answer

To produce a complete and accurate verbatim record of all spoken words in the proceeding

Answer

Court reporters have a fundamental duty to create a complete and accurate verbatim record without editorial modification.

Question 5

A reporter is asked to provide a 'rough draft' transcript to only one party the evening after a deposition. Ethically, the reporter should:

Accepted Answer

Provide it to all parties simultaneously or decline to provide it to any party early

Answer

Providing a rough draft to one party before others would give an unfair advantage; access must be equal or withheld from all.

(CSR) Certified Shorthand Reporter Practice Test