Court Reporter Practice Exam

What might a court consider when determining a penalty for a late transcript submission?

1. Criminal history of the reporter

2. Previous penalties given

3. Severity of the delay

4. Regularity of submissions

The correct answer is: Severity of the delay

When determining a penalty for a late transcript submission, the court may focus on the severity of the delay because it directly impacts the judicial process. A significant delay could hinder a case's progress, affect timelines for appeal, or frustrate parties involved who are awaiting crucial documentation. Courts are often concerned with maintaining efficiency and ensuring that justice is not unduly delayed. Therefore, the extent and context of the delay become critical factors in assessing penalties. Other elements, while potentially relevant, do not hold as much weight. Information such as the previous penalties given may suggest a pattern but does not quantify the current situation's impact. Similarly, the regularity of submissions might show a reporter's typical performance but does not specifically address the ramifications of this particular lapse. The reporter’s criminal history is typically unrelated to the specific context of a transcript submission. Thus, the severity of the delay remains the most pertinent factor in determining an appropriate penalty.