Legal Definitions - stenographer's record

A stenographer's record refers to the official, word-for-word written account of everything said during a legal proceeding. This comprehensive transcript is created by a court reporter, often referred to as a stenographer, who uses specialized equipment to capture every spoken word, including questions, answers, objections, and rulings. It serves as the authoritative and permanent documentation of the verbal exchanges that occurred in court, during a deposition, or at a hearing.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of a stenographer's record:

• Imagine a high-stakes corporate lawsuit where a key executive is testifying about a complex business transaction. Throughout their testimony, the stenographer diligently records every question posed by the attorneys and every answer provided by the executive. This detailed record is crucial because it allows both legal teams to review specific statements, prepare for cross-examination, and ensures that the judge and jury have an accurate reference for all verbal evidence presented, especially if there's a need to clarify or challenge a particular point later in the trial or during an appeal.

• Consider a situation involving a pre-trial deposition, where a witness is questioned under oath outside of court. A stenographer is present to create a complete transcript of the entire session. For instance, if a witness in a personal injury case describes the exact sequence of events leading to an accident, this written record becomes a vital tool. Lawyers can later use this transcript to compare the witness's deposition testimony with their trial testimony, potentially highlighting inconsistencies or reinforcing their credibility, without relying solely on memory.

• In a family court hearing concerning child custody, parents and guardians present their arguments and evidence to the judge. The stenographer meticulously records all statements made by the parties, their lawyers, and any expert witnesses. This record is essential for the judge to accurately recall specific details and arguments when making a final decision about the child's welfare. Furthermore, if either parent decides to appeal the judge's ruling, the stenographer's record provides the appellate court with the complete and unbiased account of what was said during the original hearing, allowing them to review the proceedings for any legal errors.