What is the primary role of timestamps in a transcript?

The primary role of timestamps in a transcript is to mark when specific parts of the proceedings occur. This is crucial for several reasons. First, timestamps provide an accurate timeline of the events as they transpire during a hearing or deposition, allowing anyone reviewing the transcript to correlate the written record with the audio or video recordings of the proceedings. This function is essential for legal clarity and precision, as it ensures that each statement can be referred back to its precise moment in time during the proceedings.

While indicating the locations of speakers is important for clarity in a transcript, timestamps specifically focus on the timing of spoken content rather than who is speaking. Page numbers help with organization and navigation within the document, and summarizing speech does not fall within the primary functions of timestamps, as they are intended to provide exact points in time rather than summaries of discussions. Hence, the role of timestamps is pivotal in ensuring the transcript serves its purpose as a detailed and accurate record of what took place in the proceedings.