How should a court reporter handle statements from an obstructive speaker?

The best approach for a court reporter when faced with statements from an obstructive speaker is to politely request the speaker to repeat or clarify their statements. This is essential because clarity and accuracy are paramount in court reporting. When a speaker is unclear or obstructive, their words may not be recorded accurately, which can lead to misunderstandings in the official transcript. By requesting clarification, the court reporter ensures that they capture the intended meaning and all pertinent information accurately. This helps maintain the integrity of the record, which is critical for legal proceedings where precise documentation can have significant implications.