Court Reporter Practice Exam

What characterizes a certified question in a legal context?

1. A question without any objections

2. A question the witness is required to answer

3. A question a witness has refused to answer

4. A question that is commonly asked

The correct answer is: A question a witness has refused to answer

A certified question in a legal context refers specifically to inquiries that a witness has refused to answer, resulting in the court's intervention to determine the validity and appropriateness of the question. This often occurs in depositions or hearings when a witness, due to various reasons such as asserting a privilege or claiming relevance, does not provide an answer. The court can then certify the question to review whether it should be answered, which helps establish its legal significance and the need for clarification in the proceedings. This is crucial for ensuring that the legal process is transparent and that parties involved understand the boundaries of what can or cannot be asked. The certification from the court is intended to protect both the witness's rights and the integrity of the testimony being taken. The other options do not capture the essence of what a certified question is. A question without objections might simply indicate clarity, whereas a required question embodies an expectation of response, which does not align with the condition of refusal that necessitates certification. Commonly asked questions do not inherently carry any legal distinction or certification requirement.