AAERT CDR MAIN EXAM: 300 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH WELL DETAILED ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES
.
SECTION 1: LEGAL TERMINOLOGY AND COURT STRUCTURE (Questions 1-50)
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Question 1
What is the primary ethical responsibility of a Certified Deposition Reporter when
taking a deposition?
A) To provide advice to the parties about their legal strategy
B) To remain impartial and ensure an accurate, complete record of the
proceeding
C) To protect the interests of the attorney who hired them
D) To ensure the deposition concludes as quickly as possible
E) To summarize testimony and provide legal opinions on the evidence
**Correct Answer: B**
,**Rationale:** The foundational ethical principle for all court reporters, including
certified deposition reporters, is impartiality and accuracy. A CDR must create a
verbatim, complete record of all testimony and proceedings without bias toward
any party. This obligation is central to the reporter's professional code of conduct
and mandated by AAERT standards. Providing legal advice, favoring one side, or
summarizing testimony would violate the reporter's neutral role as an officer of
the court .
---
Question 2
The 94 Federal District Courts are organized into how many regional circuits?
A) 11
B) 25
C) 50
D) 12
**Correct Answer: D**
**Rationale:** The 94 Federal District Courts are organized into 12 regional
circuits. These circuits include the 11 numbered circuits plus the District of
Columbia Circuit. Each circuit has a corresponding Court of Appeals that hears
appeals from the district courts within its jurisdiction .
,---
Question 3
Which court has the authority to decide constitutionality of laws?
A) Appeals Court
B) Supreme Court
C) District Court
D) State Court
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on constitutional
interpretation. When the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a constitutional matter, all
other courts are bound to follow that precedent. This power of judicial review is a
cornerstone of the American legal system, established in Marbury v. Madison .
---
Question 4
The venue of a case tells the reporter:
, A) What legal procedures to abide by
B) Whether the judge is assigned from start to finish
C) Where the case is filed and where the proceeding is taking place
D) Whether there will be a jury during trial
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Venue refers to the geographic location where a case is filed and
heard. For example, "United States District Court of Massachusetts" indicates
both the court system and the geographic jurisdiction. Venue is distinct from
subject matter jurisdiction and informs the reporter about applicable local rules
and procedures .
---
Question 5
Which term applies to the following definition: Types of cases or issues a court is
authorized to hear. For example, bankruptcy court can only hear bankruptcy
cases.
A) Jurisdiction - subject matter
B) Jurisdiction - geographic
C) Jurisdiction - limited
D) Jurisdiction - general
QUESTIONS WITH WELL DETAILED ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES
.
SECTION 1: LEGAL TERMINOLOGY AND COURT STRUCTURE (Questions 1-50)
---
Question 1
What is the primary ethical responsibility of a Certified Deposition Reporter when
taking a deposition?
A) To provide advice to the parties about their legal strategy
B) To remain impartial and ensure an accurate, complete record of the
proceeding
C) To protect the interests of the attorney who hired them
D) To ensure the deposition concludes as quickly as possible
E) To summarize testimony and provide legal opinions on the evidence
**Correct Answer: B**
,**Rationale:** The foundational ethical principle for all court reporters, including
certified deposition reporters, is impartiality and accuracy. A CDR must create a
verbatim, complete record of all testimony and proceedings without bias toward
any party. This obligation is central to the reporter's professional code of conduct
and mandated by AAERT standards. Providing legal advice, favoring one side, or
summarizing testimony would violate the reporter's neutral role as an officer of
the court .
---
Question 2
The 94 Federal District Courts are organized into how many regional circuits?
A) 11
B) 25
C) 50
D) 12
**Correct Answer: D**
**Rationale:** The 94 Federal District Courts are organized into 12 regional
circuits. These circuits include the 11 numbered circuits plus the District of
Columbia Circuit. Each circuit has a corresponding Court of Appeals that hears
appeals from the district courts within its jurisdiction .
,---
Question 3
Which court has the authority to decide constitutionality of laws?
A) Appeals Court
B) Supreme Court
C) District Court
D) State Court
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on constitutional
interpretation. When the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a constitutional matter, all
other courts are bound to follow that precedent. This power of judicial review is a
cornerstone of the American legal system, established in Marbury v. Madison .
---
Question 4
The venue of a case tells the reporter:
, A) What legal procedures to abide by
B) Whether the judge is assigned from start to finish
C) Where the case is filed and where the proceeding is taking place
D) Whether there will be a jury during trial
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Venue refers to the geographic location where a case is filed and
heard. For example, "United States District Court of Massachusetts" indicates
both the court system and the geographic jurisdiction. Venue is distinct from
subject matter jurisdiction and informs the reporter about applicable local rules
and procedures .
---
Question 5
Which term applies to the following definition: Types of cases or issues a court is
authorized to hear. For example, bankruptcy court can only hear bankruptcy
cases.
A) Jurisdiction - subject matter
B) Jurisdiction - geographic
C) Jurisdiction - limited
D) Jurisdiction - general
