When should a court reporter go off the record?

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The appropriate time for a court reporter to go off the record is when directed to do so by the judge. This ensures that any off-the-record discussions or comments are formally recognized within the courtroom's hierarchy, maintaining the integrity of the official record. The judge's authority is paramount in a courtroom setting, and their instructions guide the procedural conduct, including when the record should be stopped or resumed.

While it might seem logical that breaks or the end of the day could also signal a time to go off the record, these instances depend on the judge's discretion. They do not inherently indicate that an official record should cease. Similarly, the request from a plaintiff might not suffice to warrant going off the record, as it lacks the authoritative backing that a judge's directive carries. Thus, the judge's command is a clear and necessary indication for the court reporter to act.