Arkansas Court Reporting Requirements & Deposition Admissibility Standards

Arkansas regulates the practice of court reporting through certification issued by the Arkansas Supreme Court Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners. Under the rules adopted by the Arkansas Supreme Court, individuals who perform court reporting services in Arkansas proceedings—including depositions intended for use in Arkansas courts—must generally hold an active Certified Court Reporter (CCR) credential issued by the Court.

Deposition practice in Arkansas is governed by the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 28, Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 30, and Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 32. These rules address the authority of the deposition officer, the administration of the oath, transcript certification, and the circumstances under which deposition testimony may be used in court proceedings.

Rule 30 requires the deposition officer to administer the oath to the witness and to certify that the transcript accurately reflects the testimony given. This certification becomes part of the official deposition record relied upon in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, and trial.

Because Arkansas requires certification for individuals who practice court reporting within the state, attorneys commonly confirm that the reporter assigned to a deposition holds an active Certified Court Reporter (CCR) credential. Ensuring that the deposition is taken before a properly authorized officer and that the transcript certification complies with the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure helps maintain the procedural integrity of the record.