AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

In legal terminology, what does a "transcript" refer to?

1. A summary of a legal argument

2. A written record of spoken words during a legal proceeding

3. A judge's ruling on a case

4. A brief of a case

The correct answer is: A written record of spoken words during a legal proceeding

In legal terminology, a "transcript" specifically refers to a written record of spoken words during a legal proceeding. This includes everything that is said in court, such as witness testimonies, attorney arguments, and the judge's dialogue. Transcripts serve a critical role in the judicial process as they provide an accurate and detailed account of what occurred during the proceedings, allowing for appeals and providing a resource for future reference. Transcripts ensure that there is an official and verifiable account of the proceedings, which is vital for upholding legal standards and ensuring that justice can be served. This differs significantly from a summary of a legal argument, a judge's ruling, or a brief of a case, which do not encompass the entirety of verbal exchanges during a trial or hearing.