What is the primary role of a court reporter in a courtroom?

The primary role of a court reporter in a courtroom is to create a verbatim transcript of the spoken proceedings. This means that the court reporter meticulously records everything that is said during a trial, including the statements of witnesses, lawyers, and the judge. The accuracy and completeness of this transcript are critical, as it serves as the official record of the court proceedings. It can be referenced in future appeals, used in legal documents, and serves as an essential resource for those who were not present during the trial.

Additionally, a verbatim transcript ensures that the proceedings are documented with precision, which maintains the integrity of the judicial process. In contrast, the other roles associated with the courtroom—such as presenting evidence, summarizing cases, or providing legal advice—are not within the scope of the court reporter's duties. Their responsibility is focused solely on the transcription and ensuring that an accurate record of the dialogue and events takes place.