Court reporters or court stenographers are responsible for accurately recording the dialogue given during legal processes such as courtroom proceedings, depositions and public hearings. Court Reporting is an important occupation, as the information recorded becomes part of the official record. A court reporter transcribes recorded or spoken speech into written form through the use of shorthand or voice-writing equipment. This is then used to produce official transcripts.
Court reporters record dialogue as it is spoken using a stenotype machine. Stenotype machines are similar to keyboards, but instead of using single characters to create words, they use key combinations allowing the reporters to keep up with fast-paced dialogue. Some court reporters use a device called a steno mask to transcribe the speech. The court reporter holds the steno mask to their mouth and speaks directly into a covered microphone. The dialogue is repeated exactly as spoken and also record gestures and actions. The court reporter has the option of having the recording converted by voice-recognition software into a transcript that is reviewed for accuracy, grammar, and spelling.
Many court reporters are associated with firms that provide Court Reporting services such as Gore Brothers Reporting and Video Company Inc.. Some of the services offered are traditional or real-time court reporters, videoconferencing, and video and transcript synchronizing. Real-time court reporters use either a stenotype machine or steno mask connected to a laptop with a computer-assisted-transcription (CAT) program. In combination with real-time software, the written shorthand is converted into readable text. The readout on the screen is nearly instantaneous, thus real-time results. This is a benefit to those individuals who are deaf or hearing-impaired.
In addition to being a Certified Court Reporter (CCR), a court reporter may pursue the National Court Reporter Association’s (NCRA) Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) certification. Requirements to pass include demonstrating the ability to setup the equipment, complete a five-minute real-time transcription of at least 180 words per minute, and to be able to convert the text to an ASCII file.
Whether the case is large or small, qualified firms provide every service necessary to ensure that the litigation goes smoothly. Often their court reporters are called upon to provide their skills and expertise for government agencies, law offices, court rooms and corporate board rooms. At a minimum, court reporters should deliver at the speed of 225 words per minute with at least 95% accuracy, as required by the NCRA. You can also visit them on Twitter for more information.
