Rule 1:3.Reporters and Transcripts of Proceedings in Courts.
Part One: General Rules Applicable to All Proceedings · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1:3 requires court reporters to be sworn to transcribe proceedings faithfully and accurately under the judge’s control, gives any interested person the right to obtain a transcript on terms the judge sets, and allows proceedings to be recorded by any device the judge approves.
Full Text of Rule 1:3
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Reporters must be first duly sworn to take down and transcribe the proceedings faithfully and accurately to the best of their ability, and are subject to the control and discipline of the judge.
When a reporter takes down any proceeding in a court, any person interested is entitled to obtain a transcript of the proceedings or any part thereof upon terms and conditions to be fixed in each case by the judge.
The proceedings may be taken down by means of any recording device approved by the judge.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1:3 covers the people and equipment that create the record of a court proceeding. A reporter must first be sworn to take down and transcribe the proceedings faithfully and accurately, to the best of the reporter’s ability, and remains subject to the judge’s control and discipline throughout.
When a reporter takes down a proceeding, anyone with an interest in it can obtain a transcript, or a portion of one, on whatever terms and conditions the judge sets in that case. The rule also allows proceedings to be recorded by any device the judge approves, rather than requiring a live stenographer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a copy of a court transcript?
Any interested person, on terms and conditions the judge fixes for that case. Rule 1:3 does not limit the right to obtain a transcript, or part of one, to the parties themselves.
Does a court reporter have to take an oath?
Yes. Rule 1:3 requires reporters to be sworn to take down and transcribe proceedings faithfully and accurately to the best of their ability before they begin.
Can Virginia courts use recording devices instead of a stenographer?
Yes. The rule allows proceedings to be taken down by any recording device the judge approves.
Who controls how a court reporter does the job?
The reporter is subject to the control and discipline of the judge presiding over the proceeding.
Who decides the terms for obtaining a transcript?
The judge sets the terms and conditions for producing a transcript in each case.
Amendment History
Last amended by Order dated November 23, 2020; effective March 1, 2021.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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