AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

True or False: Court reporters play a crucial role in preserving the legal record.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in criminal cases

4. Only in civil cases

The correct answer is: True

Court reporters indeed play a crucial role in preserving the legal record, which is foundational to the justice system. They create verbatim transcripts of court proceedings, ensuring that every spoken word is accurately captured. This written record is essential for appeals, legal reviews, and maintaining an accurate account of what transpired during legal proceedings. Their work is vital across all types of cases, including both civil and criminal matters, as every legal dispute relies on an accurate and reliable record for reference. This underscores the importance of court reporters in upholding the integrity of the judicial process, as their transcripts contribute to the finality and accountability of legal decisions. The other choices suggest limitations on the court reporter's role based on the type of case, which does not reflect the comprehensive responsibility they have in maintaining the record in all court settings. Thus, recognizing their function in every legal context underlines the necessity of their contribution to the judicial system as a whole.