Section 4016. Storage and Retention

(A) Each judicial district shall make provision for the archiving, storage and retention of transcribed and untranscribed notes of testimony, rough draft transcripts, reporter and recorder log notes, tapes, other electronic or digital audio files, and any hardware, software, tools or dictionaries necessary for proper transcription.

(B) Notes of testimony and other materials specified in subdivision (A) shall be retained in compliance with the Record Retention and Disposition Schedule with Guidelines adopted by the Supreme Court.

Comment

Each judicial district is responsible for the preservation of the transcript production materials listed in Rule 4016(A) in a form that guarantees their accuracy, authenticity, and accessibility. These materials must be protected from loss arising from personnel turnover in the court, environmental hazards, or unsecured access.

Exhibits admitted into evidence are part of the court record and must be maintained with the official court record in the appropriate filing office. Excluded here are drugs, weapons, and other dangerous materials kept in secure locations by law enforcement for production on appeal or for a new trial, or pending forfeiture or destruction order of the court. Original materials shall not be maintained in the personal files of court reporting personnel.