If a digital court reporter cannot understand a part of the audio, what should they do?

Marking the portion of audio that is difficult to understand for review is the most appropriate action for a digital court reporter. This practice ensures the integrity and accuracy of the transcript, which is vital in legal proceedings. By highlighting areas that were unclear, the reporter can request further clarification or a repeat of the audio, thus maintaining a high standard of documentation.

Ignoring the segment could lead to critical omissions in the official record, while guessing the content introduces the risk of inaccuracies, which can have significant legal implications. Reporting the issue to the judge may be necessary in some contexts, but it is typically more effective to first address the ambiguity through marking it for further review, allowing for the appropriate adjustments to be made before escalating the issue. This approach reflects professionalism and diligence in the reporting process.