“Verbatim” means “word for word” or “exactly as spoken or written.” It is a direct quote without any alteration or paraphrasing. This is especially important in legal proceedings where accuracy and precision in documentation are crucial.
For example, court reporters are responsible for transcribing legal proceedings verbatim. They ensure that an accurate record of everything said during a trial, deposition, or hearing is preserved. This verbatim transcript serves as an official record and may be used in future legal proceedings or appeals.
In the same vein, when referring to the verbatim text of a legal document, such as a law, regulation, or contract, it means that the exact language of the document is being used without any changes or interpretations. This precision is essential in legal contexts to ensure that the intended meaning of the law or document is preserved without any ambiguity.