What is a verbatim record of what is said in court or deposition called?

A verbatim record of what is said in court or during a deposition is called a transcript. This document is a precise written account capturing every word spoken, including dialogue by judges, witnesses, and attorneys. Transcripts serve as an official record of legal proceedings and are essential for reference in future cases, appeals, or settlements.

In contrast, testimony refers specifically to the evidence given by a witness under oath, while a statement generally denotes a declaration or explanation made by any person, which doesn’t necessarily adhere to the same formalities or completeness as a transcript. A document is a broader term that encompasses any written material but does not specifically denote the detailed and structured nature of a transcript in legal contexts. Thus, the transcript is the specific term used to denote that exact, accurate record of spoken words, which is crucial for legal accuracy and integrity.