FTR Style Guide

CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT

8.144 (a) through (f)

FORMAT MANUAL

(FOR THE RECORD TRANSCRIPTS)

August 2022

CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT

8.144(a) through (f)

FORM OF THE RECORD

8.144 formatting applies to all transcript types:

Appeals, Court Orders, Preliminary Hearings, Pleas and Sentencings, and Private Orders.

Transcript requirements are as follows:

• Every reporter prepares their own volume(s).

• Single reporter transcripts must be consecutively paginated.

• Multiple dates may be included in the same volume when all dates contained in that volume belong to the same reporter. Multiple-reporter transcripts should not be placed in the same volume.

• Multiple-reporter transcripts shall use block numbering.

• If a volume has fewer than the assigned number of pages, on the last page of the proceedings, before the certificate page, the reporter must state in parentheses: (Next volume and page number is _____).

• No more than 300 pages in a volume.

• Each volume must have its own master index. If there are no witnesses or exhibits, include one Sessions index page providing the page numbers where the a.m. and p.m. sessions begin.

• Each volume must have only one certificate specific to that volume.

• Every page must have a page number, box, and line numbers. This includes the cover, indexes, and certificate pages.

• Use only Arabic numerals (i.e., 1, 2, 3). Pages may not use alphabetical characters.

COVERS MUST INCLUDE:

• Page number, line numbers, and box

• Case name and case number (caption)

• Name of the trial court and judge presiding

• Date of proceedings and volume number (i.e., Volume 1 of 6)

Note: List only dates of proceedings contained in that specific volume

• Names and addresses of appellate counsel for each party

• Inclusive page numbers of that volume (i.e., pages 1-241/300, INCL.)

• Reporter’s name and CSR number who produced the specific volume

• Only one reporter allowed per volume.

INDEXES:

• The CHRONOLOGICAL, ALPHABETICAL AND EXHIBIT INDEXES must be placed on separate pages with page numbers. They must not be combined.

• Page numbers, line numbers, and box

• Must indicate Master Index – date and volume number

• Below the date and volume number include a SESSIONS INDEX section indicating the page number where the a.m. and/or p.m. sessions begin for each date included in the volume. If there are no witnesses and/or exhibits, include only one Sessions index page.

• If there is a confidential proceeding, the master index must list each confidential proceeding by title – placed on chronological and alphabetical index pages.

CERTIFICATE PAGE:

• Must have a page number

• When block numbering, add a hyphen to page number followed by the volume’s assigned ending page number. (i.e., 257-300)

• Only one certificate per volume

CONFIDENTIAL PROCEEDINGS:

• CONFIDENTIAL PROCEEDINGS COVER must have a volume number. Volume number coincides with the volume number in which proceedings were reported. (i.e., Confidential proceedings were reported with proceedings contained in Volume 2. Therefore, confidential proceedings would be labeled Volume 2A.)

• Cover for the confidential proceeding after the sentence “Reporter’s Transcript on Appeal” must indicate the type of proceeding. (i.e., Pitchess Hearing, Marsden Motion, OR In-Camera hearing)

• Cover must designate “CONFIDENTIAL – MAY NOT BE EXAMINED WITHOUT A COURT ORDER”

• Must have a separate, COMPEHENSIVE INDEX OF CONFIDENTIAL PROCEEDINGS included with the confidential

proceeding transcript. It must include the date and volume number that coincides with the volume number of the transcript, page numbers, and list of names of the parties present at the hearing and their counsel.

• Must have a certificate at the end.

• Multiple confidential proceedings heard on the same day must be placed in separate volumes.

• E-filed confidential proceedings must be delivered in separate electronic files. Printed confidential proceedings must be delivered in separate envelope(s).

ELECTRONIC FILING REQUIREMENTS:

• Transcript must be electronically generated. The transcript may not be scanned.

• Transcript must be a full text-searchable pdf.

• The electronic page counter in the pdf file viewer must match the transcript page number.

• Electronically bookmark all headings and subheadings; all sessions (datelines); all witness examinations (Direct/Cross/Redirect/Recross, etc.); all indexes and all exhibits where marked for ID and admitted or refused.

• Digitally or electronically sign the transcript.

• Transcript format must permit users to copy and paste, keeping the original formatting (i.e., indents) but with headers, footers, line numbers, page numbers excluded.

• The transcript must permit courts to electronically add “Filed” and/or “Received” stamps.

• Page size: 8½ by 11 

• Pitch: 9 or 10

• Characters per line: 56, inside the box

• Preferred font: Courier New

• Line spacing: Double space

• Lines per page: 28; line numbers located on left-hand side of the page, outside the box

• Box: Standard box

• Margins –

• Left margin: At least one-and-one-quarter inches from the left edge 

• Top margin: Not less than one inch from the top of page

• Right margin: Not less than one-half inch from right side of page

• Bottom margin: Not less than one inch from bottom of page

• Tabs –

• First tab: Seven (7) spaces from left margin, i.e., Q&A, speaker identification

• Second tab: Fourteen (14) spaces from left margin; paragraphs, quoted and read text, parentheticals

• Print: ALL CAPS

• Questions and answers: No periods after “Q” or “A”

PAGE LAYOUT ANDFORMAT

• Parentheticals, quoted, and read text: Fourteen (14) spaces in from the left and right margins

• Pagination designation: Pages must be numbered consecutively, continuing throughout the volumes. Page number in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Each volume must begin with the page number following the last page (the certificate) of the preceding volume [CRC Rule 8.144(b)(2)(D) and f2CRC Rule 8.144(f)(1)]

• Volume designation: Sections of pages are divided into volumes; each volume is not to exceed 300 pages [CRC Rule 8.144(b)(6)]

• Page layouts: The following page layouts are standard for all transcripts and all proceedings

• Cover page: Requires page number (in upper right-hand corner), line numbers, and box

• Indexes: Requires page number (in upper right-hand corner), line numbers, and box. – Each index (sessions/chronological,

alphabetical and exhibit) must begin on a separate page

• Certificates: Requires page numbers (in upper right-hand corner), line numbers, and box

APPEAL COVER FORMAT

Every reporter prepares their own volume(s) independent of other reporters on the appeal notice. Each volume includes the Appeal cover as its first page, Sessions/indexes, transcript of proceedings, and their certificate.

MISDEMEANOR APPEAL SUPERIOR COURT COVER PAGES are prepared by the reporter whose transcript is contained therein. Each volume contains a Superior Court cover page as its first page. Do not use a Court of Appeal cover page.

The misdemeanor appeal Superior Court cover page contains the following:

• The name(s) and case number(s) of all appealing defendant(s) listed on the NOTICE TO REPORTER TO PREPARE TRANSCRIPT ON APPEAL

• The date(s) of proceedings contained within the volume

• The names and addresses of all counsel at trial

• The page numbers contained within the volume and the volume number

• The reporter’s name and CSR number who prepared the volume(s)

• Place the airplane symbol -o0o- below the caption. Do not leave a blank line above or below the airplane symbol

• When designating the case number to the right of the caption box, use “No.” or “Number” only

• When designating the department, use the word “Department” only. Do not include “No.” or “Number” after the word “Department”

MASTER INDEX

Each reporter prepares their own SESSIONS, CHRONOLOGICAL AND ALPHABETICAL LIST OF WITNESSES, EXHIBITS, and SEALED PROCEEDINGS INDEX. The index pages are located directly behind the cover page of that respective volume(s). Each index must begin on a separate page.

The index page(s) contain the following:

• Page numbers, line numbers, and box.

• “MASTER INDEX” – centered & underlined, line 1 (included on each index page)

• Volume number; date of proceedings – centered, line 2 (included on each index page)

• Below the date and volume number include a Sessions index section indicating the page number where the a.m. and/or p.m. sessions begin for each date included in the volume. If there are no witnesses and/or exhibits, include only one Sessions index page.

• Chronological index – a sequential listing of names of witnesses and page numbers of their examinations

• Alphabetical index – alphabetical listing of names of witnesses and the page numbers of their examinations

• Exhibits index – chronological listing and brief description of exhibits marked, received, rejected, or withdrawn and corresponding page numbers

• Sealed proceedings index – lists the proceeding type and the page range of all sealed proceedings occurring during the trial and included on the chronological and alphabetical index pages.

Note: if there are no witnesses, no exhibits and/or no sealed proceedings for the dates listed on the notice INCLUDE ONE

SESSIONS INDEX PAGE. DO NOT INCLUDE A NO/NONE INDEX PAGE.

Select this link to navigate to the SAMPLE INDEX PAGE WHEREIN A WITNESS APPEARS REMOTELY

CERTIFICATE FORMAT

• The CERTIFICATE is prepared by each reporter

• Located as the last page of its respective volume. Only one certificate per volume

• Must have a page number, line number, and box

• The certificate format is the same for all transcripts and must contain all dates of proceedings prepared by the reporter and all page ranges contained within that volume

• End block number on the certificate (i.e., 256-300)

• Must be digitally or electronically signed

The dateline heading shall contain relevant information such as: case name, case number, date of proceeding, department number or letter, the full name of the bench officer, the full name of the reporter and CSR number, a.m. or p.m. session, and the appearances of counsel and the party they represent. It shall begin on line 1 of the first page of the transcript. The dateline heading is used for every type of transcript, except P&S transcripts Dateline Heading shall be inserted at the inception of the proceeding. It begins on line 1 at the far-left margin.

[Note: The following examples are datelines for criminal proceedings; however, the format applies to all types of proceedings.]

CASE NUMBER: [CASE NUMBER]

CASE NAME: [CASE NAME]

[CITY], CALIFORNIA [DAY, DATE OF PROCEEDINGS]

[DEPARTMENT] HON. [NAME], JUDGE

REPORTER: [REPORTER, CSR NUMBER]

TIME: A.M. OR P.M. SESSION

APPEARANCES: DEFENDANT [NAME], PRESENT WITH COUNSEL,

[NAME OF ATTORNEY], DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER (OR DEPUTY

ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER, BAR PANEL, ATTORNEY AT LAW);

[NAME OF ATTORNEY], DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, REPRESENTING

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

APPEARANCE AND DATE H EADINGS

Example:

CASE NUMBER: BA123456-01

CASE NAME: PEOPLE VS. JOHN SMITH

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

DEPARTMENT 125 HON. JAMES DOE, JUDGE

REPORTER: ROSIE REPORTER, CSR NO. 00000

TIME: A.M. SESSION

APPEARANCES: DEFENDANT JOHN SMITH, PRESENT WITH COUNSEL, BILL BLACK, DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER; WENDY WHITE, DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

Dateline Heading – Multiple Defendants/Parties

CASE NUMBER: [CASE NUMBER]

CASE NAME: [CASE NAME - 1]

[CASE NAME – 2]

[CITY], CALIFORNIA [DATE OF PROCEEDINGS]

[DEPARTMENT] HON. [NAME], JUDGE

REPORTER: [REPORTER, CSR NUMBER]

TIME: A.M. OR P.M. SESSION

APPEARANCES: DEFENDANT [NAME], PRESENT WITH COUNSEL,

[NAME OF ATTORNEY], DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER (OR DEPUTY

ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER, BAR PANEL, ATTORNEY AT LAW);

DEFENDANT [NAME], PRESENT WITH COUNSEL, [NAME OF ATTORNEY],

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER (OR ATTORNEY AT LAW);

[NAME OF ATTORNEY], DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, REPRESENTING

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

Example:

CASE NUMBER: BA123456-01, -02

CASE NAME: PEOPLE VS. JOHN SMITH

AND JANE SMITH

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

DEPARTMENT 125 HON. JAMES DOE, JUDGE

REPORTER: ROSIE REPORTER, CSR NO. 00000

TIME: P.M. SESSION

APPEARANCES: DEFENDANT JOHN SMITH, PRESENT WITH COUNSEL,

BILL BLACK, DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER; DEFENDANT JANE SMITH,

PRESENT WITH COUNSEL, FRANK JONES, DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC

DEFENDER; WENDY WHITE, DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY,

REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

DATELINE HEADING FOR PARTIES APPEARING VIA WEBEX,

LACOURTCONNECT, TEAMS, TELEPHONICALLY, OR

ALTERNATE APPROVED REMOTE APPEARANCE

TECHNOLOGY

The use of this technology allows parties/participants to appear remotely. Make a notation on the Date and Appearance Heading section of any party appearing remotely.

DATELINE AND APPEARANCE PAGE EXAMPLE:

CASE NUMBER: BA123456-01

CASE NAME: PEOPLE VS. JOHN SMITH

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

DEPARTMENT 125 HON. JAMES DOE, JUDGE

REPORTER: JOE STENO, CSR NO. 0000

TIME: A.M. SESSION

APPEARANCES: DEFENDANT JOHN SMITH, PRESENT WITH COUNSEL

(APPEARING VIA WEBEX), BILL BLACK, DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

(APPEARING TELEPHONICALLY); WENDY WHITE, DEPUTY DISTRICT

ATTORNEY, REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF

CALIFORNIA.

INTERPRETER INDICATION

If an individual is using the services of an interpreter, so indicate in a parenthetical.

The interpreter’s appearance is not required on the title page cover. Example:

(JANE DOE, INTERPRETING FOR THE [DESIGNATE PARTY: I.E., WITNESS, DEFENDANT] FROM ENGLISH INTO [LANGUAGE] AND [LANGUAGE] INTO ENGLISH.)

In many instances the interpreter may state something similar to the language below:

Sample language: “I, (name), have been verified by the Court as a Certified/Registered Court Interpreter in (language). My Badge number is (certification/registration), and my oath is on file.”

BLOCK NUMBERING

• When there are two or more reporters on a transcript, a uniform system of block numbering shall be used, pursuant to CRC Rule 8.144:

http://www.courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index.cfm?title=eight&linkid=rule8_144

• Upon receipt of a Notice to Reporter to Prepare Transcript on Appeal, the primary reporter shall communicate the volume and block page numbers to the reporters listed on the notice

• The block number page range(s) should be listed on the reporter’s(s’) certificate

The following are samples of oaths administered by the Judicial Assistant:

Swearing of Witness

THE CLERK: YOU DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT THE TESTIMONY YOU ARE ABOUT TO GIVE IN THE CAUSE NOW PENDING BEFORE THIS COURT SHALL BE THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP YOU GOD.

Affirmation to Witness

THE CLERK: YOU DO SOLEMNLY AFFIRM THAT THE TESTIMONY YOU ARE ABOUT TO GIVE IN THE CAUSE NOW PENDING BEFORE THIS COURT SHALL BE THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. THIS YOU DO UNDER THE PAIN AND PENALTY OF PERJURY.

Prospective Jurors re Qualifications:

THE CLERK: WILL THE PROSPECTIVE JURORS PLEASE RISE.

DO YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT YOU WILL ACCURATELY AND TRUTHFULLY ANSWER UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY ALL QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED TO YOU CONCERNING YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCY TO SERVE AS OATH SETUP

A TRIAL JUROR IN THE MATTER NOW PENDING BEFORE THIS COURT, AND THAT FAILURE TO DO SO MAY SUBJECT YOU TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION?

IF YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE, PLEASE ANSWER, “I DO.”

(THE PROSPECTIVE JURORS ANSWERED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.)

Juror(s) and Alternate Juror(s) Trying the Cause:

THE CLERK: PLEASE STAND.

DO YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT YOU WILL WELL AND TRULY TRY THE CAUSE NOW PENDING BEFORE THIS COURT, AND A TRUE VERDICT RENDER ACCORDING ONLY TO THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED TO YOU AND TO THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE COURT?

IF YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE, PLEASE ANSWER, “I DO.”

(THE JURORS ANSWERED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.)

or

(THE ALTERNATE JURORS ANSWERED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.)

Child Under Ten Years of Age:

THE CLERK: DO YOU PROMISE THAT EVERYING YOU TELL HERE TODAY WILL BE THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH?

or

THE CLERK: YOU DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR TO TELL THE TRUTH, SO HELP YOU GOD.

Interpreter:

THE CLERK: YOU DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT YOU WILL WELL AND TRULY INTERPRET ENGLISH INTO (language) AND (language) INTO ENGLISH, IN THE CAUSE NOW PENDING BEFORE THIS COURT, SO HELP YOU GOD.

Bailiff to Take Charge of the Jury:

THE CLERK: YOU DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT YOU WILL TAKE CHARGE OF THE JURY AND KEEP THEM TOGETHER; THAT YOU WILL NOT SPEAK TO THEM YOURSELF NOR ALLOW ANYONE ELSE TO SPEAK TO THEM UPON ANY SUBJECT CONNECTED WITH THIS CASE EXCEPT BY ORDER OF THE COURT; AND WHEN THEY HAVE AGREED UPON A VERDICT, YOU WILL RETURN THEM INTO THE COURT; AND, FURTHERMORE, THAT YOU WILL TAKE CHARGE OF THE ALTERNATE JURORS AND KEEP THEM APART FROM THE JURY WHILE THEY ARE DELIBERATING ON THE CAUSE UNTIL OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED BY THE COURT, SO HELP YOU GOD.

THE BAILIFF: I DO.

Leave one numbered line blank between the last line of text and the name of the witness; center and place the name of the witness in all caps. Do not set up witness examinations beyond line 26; go to the next page.

[Note: Insert the appropriate party designation, i.e., People, Plaintiff, Moving Party, Petitioner, Defendant, Respondent, Minor, in the witness setup.]

Full Witness and Examination Setup:

THE COURT: PLEASE SWEAR THE WITNESS.

JEFFREY JONES, CALLED BY THE (party designation) AS A WITNESS, WAS SWORN AND TESTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

THE CLERK: PLEASE RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND TO BE SWORN. YOU DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT THE TESTIMONY YOU ARE ABOUT TO GIVE IN THE CAUSE NOW PENDING BEFORE THIS COURT SHALL BE THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP YOU GOD.

THE WITNESS: I DO.

THE CLERK: PLEASE BE SEATED.

PLEASE STATE AND SPELL YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

THE WITNESS: MY NAME IS JEFFREY JONES, J-E-F-F-R-E-Y, J-O-N-E-S.

THE COURT: YOU MAY EXAMINE.

WITNESS EXAMINATION SETUP

DIRECT EXAMINATION

BY MS. SMITH:

Q WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION AND ASSIGNMENT?

Recalled to the Stand:

JEFFREY JONES,

RECALLED BY THE (party designation) AS A WITNESS HAVING BEEN PREVIOUSLY SWORN, RESUMED THE STAND AND TESTIFIED FURTHER AS FOLLOWS:

Testifying Through an Interpreter:

JEFFREY JONES, CALLED BY THE (party designation) AS A WITNESS, WAS SWORN AND TESTIFIED THROUGH THE (language) INTERPRETER AS FOLLOWS:

Called Out of Order:

JEFFREY JONES,

CALLED BY THE (party designation) AS A WITNESS OUT OF ORDER, WAS SWORN AND TESTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

Previously Sworn:

JEFFREY JONES, CALLED BY THE (party designation) AS A WITNESS, WAS PREVIOUSLY SWORN AND TESTIFIED FURTHER AS FOLLOWS:

Interpreter:

JEFFREY JONES,

INTERPRETING (language) INTO ENGLISH AND ENGLISH INTO (language) FOR THE WITNESS, AS FOLLOWS:

Motions in Limine – Evidentiary Hearings:

Motions in limine, evidentiary hearings or motions pursuant to 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406 of the Evidence Code, are proceedings held outside the presence of the jury. The hearings usually are comprised of argument or testimony or a combination of argument and testimony.

If evidentiary hearings consist of testimony, the following is an example of a motion in limine examination setup:

JEFFREY JONES [MOTION IN LIMINE],

CALLED BY THE (party designation) AS A WITNESS (UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF [indicate code, known]) WAS SWORN AND TESTIFIED OUTSIDE THE PRESENCE OF THE JURY AS FOLLOWS:

[Note: It is important to designate motion in limine or outside the presence of the jury or 402 Hearing, et cetera, next to the witness’ name to be later indexed, to indicate to a reader this was done outside the presence of the jury.]

Adverse Witness – Section 776 of the Evidence Code (Civil Cases):

JEFFREY JONES [776 EVIDENCE CODE],

THE (party designation), CALLED AS A WITNESS ON BEHALF OF THE (party designation) AS A WITNESS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 776 OF THE EVIDENCE CODE, WAS SWORN AND TESTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

Party to an Action:

A party to an action is usually designated as one of the following: People, Plaintiff, Moving Party, Petitioner, Defendant, Respondent, Minor.

JEFFREY JONES,

THE (party) HEREIN, CALLED ON [his/her] OWN BEHALF AS A WITNESS, WAS SWORN AND TESTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

Leave one numbered blank line between the last line of text and the examination designation. Center and place in all caps examination designation. Do not set up examination designations beyond line 26; go to the next page.

DIRECT EXAMINATION

BY MS. SMITH:

Q

CROSS-EXAMINATION

BY MR. JONES:

Q

REDIRECT EXAMINATION

BY MS. SMITH:

Q

RECROSS-EXAMINATION

BY MR. JONES:

Q

FURTHER REDIRECT EXAMINATION

BY MS. SMITH:

Q

FURTHER RECROSS-EXAMINATION

BY MR. JONES:

Q

ORDER OF EXAMINATIONSETUP

REDIRECT EXAMINATION (CONTINUED)

BY MS. SMITH:

Q

RECROSS-EXAMINATION (CONTINUED)

BY MR. JONES:

Q

REDIRECT EXAMINATION (RESUMED)

BY MS. SMITH:

Q

RECROSS-EXAMINATION (RESUMED)

BY MR. JONES:

Q

EXAMINATION CONTINUED should be used when a witness’s testimony is interrupted by another witness’s testimony and then he/she continues their testimony.

EXAMINATION RESUMED should be used when a witness’s testimony resumes after a recess or adjournment in proceedings and there has been no interruption by other witness’s testimony.