What is a key responsibility of a CDR during depositions?

A key responsibility of a Certified Deposition Reporter (CDR) during depositions is to accurately capture the spoken word. This means that the CDR must listen attentively and transcribe everything that is said during the deposition verbatim, ensuring that the official record is precise and reliable. The role is focused on maintaining the integrity of the testimony, which is critical for the legal process, as this transcript may be used in court and other legal proceedings. An accurate transcript allows all parties to refer back to what was actually stated, which is essential for fair proceedings.

The responsibilities of a CDR do not include distracting witnesses, as maintaining a professional and neutral atmosphere is vital for the integrity of the deposition. Providing legal advice is outside the scope of a CDR’s role; they are not legal advisers and should remain impartial. Additionally, while summarizing information might be useful in certain contexts, the primary obligation of a CDR is to create a complete and verbatim record rather than offering summaries for the judge.