When submitting a transcript, what is one important step a CSR must ensure is completed?

One crucial step a California Certified Shorthand Reporter must ensure is completed when submitting a transcript is proofreading for errors. This process is vital because accuracy is paramount in the legal field; even minor mistakes can lead to significant misunderstandings in legal proceedings. A transcript serves as an official record of what was said during testimony, depositions, or other legal contexts. Therefore, the CSR must carefully review the document to confirm that all spoken words are captured correctly and that there are no typographical or formatting errors that could misrepresent the content.

The importance of proofreading extends beyond mere clerical accuracy; it helps maintain the integrity of the official record, which can have far-reaching implications in court. Discrepancies in a transcript could compromise the case or lead to disputes about what was actually said. Thus, thorough proofreading is not just a beneficial practice, but a fundamental responsibility of the CSR.

Other actions, such as providing a verbal summary or personal opinions, do not align with the professional standards expected of a CSR, as they could introduce bias or misinterpretation. Similarly, including a witness statement might not be a standard part of transcript submission unless specifically required in certain contexts, and it is not a requisite step in every situation.