Rule 20 - Duties of Court Reporters(a) Felony Cases. In all felony cases, the court reporter shall make a record of the voir dire and selection of the jury, opening statements, bench and in-chambers conferences, and closing arguments, whether or not such is ordered by the judge or requested by either party. In death-penalty cases, this duty may not be abrogated by the judge or waived by the defendant, and is in addition to all other duties.(b) Other Cases.(1) Circuit and county court. In all other cases in circuit and county court, the court reporter shall make a record of the voir dire and selection of the jury, opening statements, bench and in-chambers conferences, and closing arguments, if directed to do so by the judge.(2) Municipal and justice court. In criminal proceedings in municipal and justice court, either party may engage the services of a court reporter to take down the proceedings, at the expense of the requesting party.Comment
Rule 20(a) places duties on court reporters which are in addition to all other duties imposed by law or the court. See Davis v. State, 684 So. 2d 643, 651 (Miss. 1996) (citation omitted) ("[t]he law obligates the court reporter to take notes of all proceedings at trial so that they will be available in the event of an appeal"). The duties of section (b)(1) apply only if the judge so orders. Section (b)(2) provides for either party to engage the services of a court reporter during criminal proceedings in municipal and justice court. While any such transcript will not constitute the official record, it may be used for other purposes (e.g., impeachment).