RMR Transcript Production & Formatting Standards

Question 1

What is the standard format for a certified court transcript in the United States?

Accepted Answer

25 lines per page with specified margins, headers including case information, and a certification page

Answer

Any format chosen by the reporter

Answer

Double-spaced with 1-inch margins only

Answer

Single-spaced with no page requirements

Question 2

What is a 'certification page' in a court transcript?

Accepted Answer

A sworn statement by the reporter attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the transcript

Answer

A page listing the reporter's educational credentials

Answer

A certificate of participation given to witnesses

Answer

A document certifying the court's jurisdiction

Question 3

How should a court reporter handle inaudible portions of testimony?

Accepted Answer

Note them in the transcript using parenthetical notation such as '(inaudible)' and notify counsel if significant portions are unclear

Answer

Guess what was said and include the best interpretation

Answer

Leave blank spaces in the transcript

Answer

Ask a colleague to listen and fill in the gaps

Question 4

What is an 'errata sheet' in the transcript process?

Accepted Answer

A document allowing deponents or witnesses to review and note corrections to their testimony after transcript delivery

Answer

A list of errors made by the court reporter

Answer

A pricing sheet for transcript copies

Answer

A form for ordering additional transcript pages

Question 5

What is the standard turnaround time for an expedited transcript?

Accepted Answer

Same day to next day delivery, depending on the jurisdiction and agreement

Answer

30 days

Answer

14 business days

Answer

6 months

Question 6

What is the purpose of a word index or concordance in a court transcript?

Accepted Answer

An alphabetical listing of significant words with page and line references to help readers locate specific testimony

Answer

A glossary of legal terms used in the case

Answer

A count of total words in the transcript for billing

Answer

A list of all witnesses who testified