What distinguishes a transcript from a summary?

A transcript is distinguished as a verbatim record of what was said during a court proceeding. This means that every spoken word, including dialogue and any pertinent non-verbal communication (like pauses or interruptions), is captured exactly as it occurred. This accuracy is crucial in legal contexts, where the specifics of spoken words can significantly impact the interpretation of the case, the rights of the parties involved, and the overall legal outcome.

In contrast to transcripts, summaries may condense, paraphrase, or omit parts of the dialogue, leading to a loss of nuance and specific language. They are not intended to reflect every detail but rather to give an overview of the proceedings. Additionally, there might be instances where court summaries do not require approval as they do not serve as official records.

Ultimately, the defining feature of a transcript being a verbatim account ensures its reliability and utility in legal documentation and proceedings.