Court Reporter Practice Exam

When should an attorney call for a recess during a deposition?

1. Whenever the court reporter needs a break

2. Whenever the attorney feels necessary

3. Only after the completion of a witness's testimony

4. During the judge's objections

The correct answer is: Whenever the attorney feels necessary

An attorney should call for a recess during a deposition whenever they feel it is necessary. This option is correct because the attorney has the discretion to pause the proceedings for various reasons, such as to consult with a client, to gather thoughts, or to address any issues that may arise during the deposition. The deposition environment is fundamentally different from a courtroom where a judge directs proceedings. In this context, the attorney is managing the deposition, ensuring that their client's interests are protected while also allowing for the deposition process to flow smoothly. Other scenarios, like needing a break for the court reporter or waiting until a witness completes their testimony, may not always align with the attorney's immediate needs or strategy during the deposition. Similarly, calling a recess during a judge's objections is not applicable because depositions do not typically involve a judge present to make formal objections like in court; thus, this does not reflect the practical needs during a deposition.