In a digital court reporting workflow, what is the role of timestamps?

• A. They record the exact moment of each utterance.
• B. They determine the verdict.
• C. They track the number of pages.
• D. They indicate the speaker's tone.

Answer: (A)

In a digital court reporting workflow, timestamps act as precise time anchors for every utterance. They record the exact moment a statement is made, enabling exact alignment between the transcript and the audio or video recording. This synchronization is essential for accurate playback, verification of statements, and creating a trustworthy, auditable record of the proceedings. Timestamps also help locate specific moments quickly, support cross-referencing with exhibits, and preserve the correct sequence of events. They don’t determine the verdict, they don’t track page counts, and they don’t indicate speaker tone.