What is the main function of a digital recorder in court reporting?

The main function of a digital recorder in court reporting is to record audio for later transcription. This involves capturing the spoken words during legal proceedings, ensuring that all dialogue is accurately preserved. The recorded audio can then be transcribed to create official court documents, which are crucial for maintaining an accurate and complete record of what transpired during a trial or hearing.

This use of digital recorders allows court reporters to focus on the delivery and nuances of the spoken word without the pressure to transcribe in real time. The ability to review the audio later ensures that the transcription can reflect the dialogue accurately, including any necessary clarifications or contextual information that might be missed during live transcription efforts.

In contrast to the other options where playback functionality or summarization might be relevant in other contexts, the primary role of the digital recorder is to capture the complete and precise auditory record for accurate future transcription.