What does a ‘notary public’ do regarding deposition transcripts?

A notary public plays a critical role in the process of handling deposition transcripts by authenticating the transcript's validity. This involves verifying the identity of the signers, administering oaths, and ensuring that the deposition is conducted in accordance with legal standards. The notary's certification adds an official layer of legitimacy to the document, making it acceptable as evidence in court.

While options such as transcribing the deposition, formatting it for court, and summarizing its content are important tasks, they are typically performed by different professionals. A court reporter is responsible for the transcription process, ensuring that every word is accurately recorded during the deposition. Formatting for court often falls to legal assistants or paralegals who prepare documents according to specific court rules. Summaries might be created by attorneys or paralegals for convenience but do not hold the same legal weight as the complete transcript. Thus, the unique function of the notary public is essential in confirming the integrity and authenticity of the deposition transcripts.