Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does a bill of particulars provide?

1. A list of witnesses

2. An account of charges made

3. A summary of the defense

4. A record of court proceedings

The correct answer is: An account of charges made

A bill of particulars serves to provide a detailed account of the charges made in a legal case. It typically outlines specific allegations or claims that the prosecution intends to prove, allowing the defendant to prepare a defense against those charges. This document is particularly important in ensuring that the defendant understands the particular claims being made so they have a fair opportunity to respond. By clearly delineating the charges, the bill aids in the articulation of a defense and enhances the efficiency of the court process. In this context, while a witness list, a summary of the defense, and a record of court proceedings serve specific roles within a legal framework, they do not fulfill the same function as a bill of particulars. The bill does not summarize the defense or list witnesses; instead, it focuses on clarifying and stipulating the allegations that require a response from the accused party.