Parentheses for Explanatory Notations from the Reporter
Parentheses
Rulebase Summary
Use parentheses to enclose explanatory notations that are not spoken but are included by the reporter as necessary for the record. These are the reporter's interpolations into the transcript — recess notations, off-the-record discussions, witness actions, exhibit markings, and similar procedural notes.
Examples
A. We took a break at noon.
A recess was taken at 12:05 p.m.
A. We took a break at noon.
(A recess was taken at 12:05 p.m.)
Reporter notation goes in parentheses.
Q. Show me the document.
The witness complied with the request.
Q. Show me the document.
(The witness complied with the request.)
Witness action note in parentheses.
Transcript Notes
The verb tense in these parentheticals can be either present or past — choose either tense but be consistent throughout the transcript. Common examples include recess notations, off-the-record discussions, and witness compliance notes.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's