Paragraphing in Transcripts: When to Start a New Paragraph
Paragraphing
Rulebase Summary
Court reporters paragraph each question and answer and all colloquy automatically. Within longer testimony, charges, and opinions, additional breaks are needed for readability. Six guidelines for paragraphing within a long answer or passage:
(1) When dialogue is part of an answer, begin a new paragraph each time the speaker changes. (2) When an idea or theme changes, begin a new paragraph. (3) When the idea or theme remains unchanged but the point of view shifts, begin a new paragraph. (4) When enumerations are given, begin a new paragraph with each complete listing — use a period or semicolon to end each item. (5) When the time or tense changes, begin a new paragraph. (6) Expressions that compare, contrast, or emphasize often signal a paragraph change: 'at the same time,' 'by the same token,' 'consequently,' 'for example,' 'in contrast,' 'in general,' 'on the other hand,' 'specifically.'
Examples
A. Williams showed me the note. He said, 'I got $20,000 extra, and because I'm not sure what to do, I'm holding it until I see Carter on Monday.' So I said, 'Well, that's a surprise.' 'Sure is,' he said. 'Endorse it and I'll put it in the bank.' And that's when I signed it.
A. Williams showed me the note. He said, 'I got $20,000 extra, and because I'm not sure what to do, I'm holding it until I see Carter on Monday.'
So I said, 'Well, that's a surprise.'
'Sure is,' he said. 'Endorse it and I'll put it in the bank.'
And that's when I signed it.
Dialogue within an answer — paragraph each speaker change.
A. That store had a reputation for honesty. My family traded there for years. Then last year, the Corbins sold the business, and everyone has had trouble with the new owners.
A. That store had a reputation for honesty. My family traded there for years.
Then last year, the Corbins sold the business, and everyone has had trouble with the new owners.
Time change ('Then last year') signals a new paragraph.
Transcript Notes
Paragraphs come in all sizes. Transcript pages of solid material are more easily read with three or four paragraphs per page, with each paragraph ideally six to eight lines long. There are times when a one-sentence transitional paragraph is the only logical way to break into a new paragraph.
Paragraphing verbatim English is an art that takes time to develop — be patient and observant. If everyone spoke according to the best rules and styles of grammar and organized their ideas coherently, paragraphs would divide themselves and no guidelines would be needed. Since this is not usually the case, the court reporter develops paragraphing skills for the sake of the reader and the record.
Style Guide References (4)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP