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Stored records in a handheld device carried by lawyers before start of examination (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

database

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'start of examination' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'stored records in a handheld device carried by lawyers before' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'device' could be 'base' (base is a kind of device) and 'base' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for database that I've seen before include "Lots of info" , "information held by PC" , "Computerised information" , "Computer's information store" , "Where figures might be" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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