What does “margin notes” in a transcript indicate?

In a transcript, "margin notes" refer specifically to notes or clarifications made by the court reporter. These notes serve to provide additional context, highlight important points, or clarify any potential ambiguities in the spoken dialogue. Court reporters often include these margin notes to ensure that the transcript accurately reflects the proceedings and is easily understood by readers, such as attorneys, judges, or appellate courts. The use of margin notes aids in creating a comprehensive and clear record of what transpired during the court proceedings, thus enhancing the overall utility of the transcript for legal purposes.

It’s important to note that comments from the judge or remarks from attorneys do not fall under the category of margin notes; instead, those would typically be part of the verbatim record of the court proceedings. Similarly, references to past cases or additional remarks from attorneys would be documented in a different manner within the transcript itself rather than as margin notes. The primary purpose of margin notes is to assist with clarity and understanding, which aligns specifically with the role of the court reporter.