What is the policy regarding transcript fees?

The policy regarding transcript fees indicates that they are permitted when depositions are read in evidence at trial. This means that if a deposition, which is an out-of-court testimony, is formally presented in court as part of legal proceedings, it is justifiable for the court reporter to charge a fee for the transcript.

This practice recognizes the critical role that accurate transcripts play in the legal process, especially when they are used to establish evidence during a trial. The intent behind allowing fees in these circumstances is to ensure that court reporters are compensated for their work in providing accurate and reliable documentation of testimonies that can significantly influence the outcome of cases.

Regarding the other options: fees are not prohibited in general; they can occur for various forms of transcripts beyond handwritten ones; and while public access is an important consideration in trials, there is no blanket waiver of fees for transcripts solely because a trial is public. Thus, the rationale that permits fees aligns with the function and importance of transcripts within legal procedures.