RPR Grammar, Punctuation, and Transcript Formatting

Question 1

In a court transcript, how should a verbatim interjection such as 'uh-huh' be rendered?

Accepted Answer

Exactly as spoken: 'Uh-huh.'

Answer

As 'Yes' to clarify meaning

Answer

Omitted as it is non-substantive

Answer

As '[affirmative]' in brackets

Question 2

When should a reporter use a colon versus a semicolon in a transcript?

Accepted Answer

A colon introduces a list or elaboration; a semicolon joins related independent clauses

Answer

A colon ends a sentence; a semicolon introduces a list

Answer

They are interchangeable in transcript formatting

Answer

A colon is used before direct quotes; a semicolon before indirect quotes

Question 3

How should a proper noun that is a compound title — such as 'Assistant District Attorney' — be capitalized in a transcript?

Accepted Answer

Capitalize all principal words when used as a formal title before a name

Answer

Lowercase all words unless at the start of a sentence

Answer

Capitalize only the first word of the compound title

Answer

Use all capitals for any professional title

Question 4

In transcript formatting, what is the standard way to indicate a question was not completed?

Accepted Answer

Use a dash to show an interruption: 'Did you ever see the —'

Answer

Use ellipses: 'Did you ever see the ...'

Answer

Write [INCOMPLETE] in brackets

Answer

Leave a blank line after the partial question

Question 5

Which sentence is punctuated correctly for a court transcript?

Accepted Answer

Q. Did you see the defendant? A. Yes, I did.

Answer

Q. Did you see the defendant? A. Yes I did.

Answer

Q Did you see the defendant. A Yes, I did.

Answer

Q: Did you see the defendant? A: Yes, I did.

Question 6

When a witness spells out a word during testimony, how should it appear in a transcript?

Accepted Answer

Exactly as spelled, with hyphens between each letter: T-H-O-M-A-S

Answer

Written out as 'He spelled the name Thomas'

Answer

In brackets: [Thomas, spelled]

Answer

In all capitals: THOMAS