Court Reporter Practice Exam

What happens to opening statements in a trial according to reporting practices?

1. They are often skipped in the record

2. They may be transcribed upon attorney request

3. They are never transcribed

4. They are only summarized in the record

The correct answer is: They may be transcribed upon attorney request

In court reporting practices, the transcription of opening statements is generally dependent on the specific requests made by the attorneys involved in the trial. When an attorney requests that the opening statements be transcribed, the court reporter will ensure that they are included in the official record. This practice allows for a complete and thorough documentation of all procedural aspects of the trial, which can be essential for appeals and future references. Other practices, such as skipping the opening statements or only summarizing them, may occur in certain contexts or jurisdictions, but it is not standard. The decision to transcribe these statements reflects the importance of preserving the initial arguments presented by each side, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the case as it unfolds. Hence, the emphasis on transcription upon attorney request highlights the flexibility and the role of the court reporter in accommodating the needs of the legal process.