Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

What is the term for a written record of what was said during a legal proceeding?

1. Summary

2. Transcript

3. Affidavit

4. Deposition

The correct answer is: Transcript

The term "transcript" refers specifically to a complete written record of everything that was stated during a legal proceeding, such as a court trial or hearing. This document is typically produced by a court reporter who captures the spoken words during the process, ensuring that all testimonies, arguments, and statements are accurately documented. Transcripts serve as an official record that can be referenced in appeals or future legal actions. Other terms, such as summary, affidavit, and deposition, refer to different concepts within the legal context. A summary encapsulates the main points but does not provide the detailed account found in a transcript. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court but does not contain verbatim dialogue. A deposition is an out-of-court testimony given under oath, and while it can be recorded, it is generally not the final written record of a court proceeding itself. Hence, the clarity and importance of a transcript as the accurate and formal documentation of legal discussions make it the correct answer here.