Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is true about a noncertified shorthand reporter?

1. They may work independently without supervision

2. They are prohibited from attending depositions

3. They may be used until a certified shorthand reporter is available

4. They cannot transcribe legal documents

The correct answer is: They may be used until a certified shorthand reporter is available

A noncertified shorthand reporter may provide their services in situations where a certified shorthand reporter is not available. This means they can perform some of the functions associated with court reporting, such as recording proceedings, as long as there is an understanding that their work might not meet the legal standards required for official documentation. This allows for a degree of flexibility and ensures that court proceedings or depositions can still be recorded in the absence of certified professionals. Other options might suggest restrictions or misunderstandings about the role of noncertified reporters. For instance, implying that they cannot attend depositions or work independently oversimplifies their capacity and potential utility in various legal contexts. However, their transcriptions may not hold the same legal weight as those made by certified reporters, which allows for effective support in less formal settings where certification may not be strictly required.