In court reporting, what does "rough draft" refer to?

The term "rough draft" in court reporting specifically refers to an initial version of a transcript that has not yet been finalized or proofread. This rough draft is generated quickly, often shortly after a court proceeding, and contains the spoken words transcribed by the court reporter. Because it is prepared under time constraints and without thorough review for accuracy, it may include errors or missing information.

This initial version is typically used for immediate reference or to provide a preliminary record before the court reporter has the opportunity to review and correct it into a polished, finalized transcript. The finalized version would involve a careful proofreading process to ensure accuracy and completeness, which is why options relating to finalized transcripts or those that have undergone thorough proofreading are not applicable.

Additionally, issuing a transcript directly to the jury, while an important aspect of court reporting in some contexts, does not define what a "rough draft" is. The focus is on its role as a working document that lays the groundwork for the official record.