Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

Under what condition may a noncertified shorthand reporter report an oral deposition?

1. The noncertified reporter delivers an affidavit to the parties that a CSR is not available.

2. The parties stipulate a CSR is not available.

3. Both A and B.

4. Neither A and B.

The correct answer is: Both A and B.

A noncertified shorthand reporter may report an oral deposition under the conditions that either an affidavit is delivered to the parties indicating that a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) is not available, or the parties themselves stipulate that a CSR is not available. The law allows for flexibility in these situations, provided there is clear communication and agreement among the involved parties regarding the unavailability of a certified reporter. When a noncertified reporter provides an affidavit, it serves as formal documentation verifying the unavailability of a CSR. This ensures that there is a legitimate reason to proceed without certified oversight, thus upholding the integrity of the deposition process. Additionally, if the parties agree among themselves—through stipulation—that a CSR is not available, they can authorize the use of a noncertified reporter, which demonstrates the parties' mutual consent and understanding of the circumstances. Both scenarios emphasize the importance of having a clear, documented agreement about the reporting status to maintain a professional and legal record of the deposition, ensuring that no rights are infringed upon or procedures violated during the absence of a certified professional.