What role do court reporters play in appellate court proceedings?

Court reporters serve a crucial function in appellate court proceedings by providing the official transcript of the trial court proceedings. This transcript is a verbatim record of what was said during the trial, including testimony, evidence presented, and any rulings made by the judge. The appellate court relies on this detailed documentation to review the case, understand the basis of the appeal, and determine if any legal errors occurred that would warrant a reversal or modification of the trial court's decision.

The accuracy and completeness of the transcript are paramount, as the appellate judges do not re-evaluate the facts of the case or hear new evidence; they assess the legal arguments based on the record established in the trial court. Thus, the role of the court reporter directly impacts the appellate process, ensuring that the judges have the necessary information to make informed decisions on the appeals presented to them.