NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What elements are included in the scope of anonymity for protected individuals?

1. Employment history

2. Name, address, school/workplace

3. Criminal record

4. Public persona

The correct answer is: Name, address, school/workplace

The scope of anonymity for protected individuals primarily involves sensitive personal information that could jeopardize their safety or privacy if disclosed. This includes a person’s name, address, as well as their school or workplace, as these details can directly link to their identity and potentially expose them to risks such as harassment or retaliation. The other options listed do not carry the same level of immediate risk regarding anonymity. Employment history may be relevant in certain contexts but does not inherently provide a direct identifier like a name or address. A criminal record, while sensitive, is not necessarily part of the core personal identifying information relevant to anonymity in many circumstances. The concept of public persona refers to how an individual presents themselves publicly and is generally not considered a personal identifier that should be protected in the same manner as private information like one’s name or address. Thus, the correct focus on the elements included in the scope of anonymity is very much centered on names, addresses, and places of work or education, where the risk of identification and ensuing consequences is greatest.