What is the correct protocol for quoting witnesses in a transcript?

Accurately capturing statements in quotation marks is the correct protocol for quoting witnesses in a transcript. This practice ensures that the precise words spoken by the witness are documented accurately, maintaining the integrity of the testimony and allowing for an exact representation of what was said during the proceedings. Legal transcripts need to reflect the true dialogue to preserve the context and meaning of the witness's statements, which is essential in court proceedings where every word can be significant.

Using quotation marks indicates that the words within them are the direct words of the witness, which is important for clarity and authenticity in legal documentation. This method also helps in distinguishing between the witness's testimony and the reporter's own interpretations or summaries, which can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations in legal settings.

Options that suggest using initials, paraphrasing, or providing summaries without details would not maintain the same level of accuracy and could potentially alter the meaning of what a witness intended to convey. Such practices could have serious implications in legal contexts where precise wording can affect the outcomes of cases.