What should a shorthand reporter maintain for legal accuracy?

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A shorthand reporter must maintain verbatim notes to ensure legal accuracy because these notes provide an exact transcription of spoken words during proceedings. This meticulous recording captures every word, tone, and inflection, which is critical in legal contexts where the precision of language can significantly affect the interpretation of testimony or statements. Verbatim notes serve as the official record, which can be referenced in future legal proceedings, appeals, or disputes, thus ensuring that the integrity of the legal process is upheld.

While audio recordings can provide a helpful supplement, they lack the instantaneous and precise nature of written shorthand notes. Copies of depositions are important, but they come into play after the initial recording and cannot serve as the primary source of what was originally communicated. Similarly, case law references can inform a shorthand reporter’s understanding of context but do not contribute directly to the maintenance of an accurate and complete record of the proceedings as verbatim notes do.