Official court reporters are highly trained professionals who convert the spoken word into information that can be read, archived, and searched. This legal specialty has created new paths for reporters and journalists as well as translators.
What do court reporters do? - nature of the work
Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of conversations, speeches, legal proceedings, various types of legal meetings, and other events. These written accounts are usually needed for correspondence, records, or legal proof. Deposition court reporters in Miami play a critical role in judicial proceedings. They are responsible for ensuring accurate, complete, secure legal records that are required by courtrooms across Florida.
Court reporters have other roles as well: they prepare and protect documentations for the legal records, assist judges and trial attorneys, but also organize and search for information in the official record. Court reporting has evolved over the last few decades. Now, court reporters often provide closed-captioning and real-time translating services to the hard-of-hearing or deaf community.
The methods of court reporting
- the stenographic method
The most common method of court reporting is called the stenographic method. The court reporter uses a stenotype machine, recording all statements made in official proceedings. The machine lets the user press multiple keys at once to record combinations of letters for various words, sounds, or phrases. The symbols are electronically recorded and then translated using computer-aided transcription (CAT). During real-time court reporting, the machine is linked to computers for real-time captioning. When the official court reporters keys in the symbols, the spoken words instantly appear on the screen.
- electronic court reporting
This method is quite common – the court reporter uses audio equipment to record various court proceedings. Deposition court reporters in Miami also use this type of technology to record depositions. The reporter has to monitor the entire process, take notes to identify all speakers, and listen to the recording in order to make sure it's audible and clear. The equipment can be either analog tape recorders or digital equipment. Electronic devices can also produce a written transcript of the recorded proceedings.
- voice writing
This is another common method of court reporting. The court reporter has to speak directly into a voice silencer, which is often hand-held or similar to a mask. The reporter simply repeats the testimony into the audio recorder, but the mask prevents the reporter from being heard during the testimony. Voice writer devices record everything that is said by witnesses, judges, or attorneys, including emotional reactions and other gestures. The written transcripts are then prepared based on these recordings.
Which are the other responsibilities of court reporters?
Official court reporters are primarily focused on transcribing events, but they have other roles as well. For instance, court reporters who use stenographic and voice-writing devices have to create and maintain their computer dictionary that is used to translate the keystrokes. The voice files must also be well maintained. The dictionary must be customized with various parts of words or phrases, as well as specific legal terminology. After the proceedings are recorded, stenographic courter reporters also have to correct the grammar of the translation.
Similarly, all reporters are responsible for the accurate identification of proper names, dates, and places. On the other hand, electronic reporters have to make sure the testimony is discernible. After the transcription is complete, deposition court reporters in Miami have to make copies, provide additional information to courts, counsels, parties, and to the public on request. Court reporters also have procedures for easy storage, archiving, and retrieval of stenographic notes, voice files, or audio recordings in both analog and digital formats.
Court reporters also have to work outside of courtrooms. For instance, some court reporters work as webcasters or Internet information reporters for courtrooms. They capture sales meetings, product introductions, press conferences, and technical seminars. After the recording is complete, they distribute the information to all parties via computers. Other court reporters work in various government agencies across the country. For instance, court reporters are active in the U.S. Congress, but also in State and local governing bodies.
Other court reporters are focused on recording statements and other information specifically for people with hearing loss. These reporters often work for television networks, cable stations, or other news outlets, where they caption news and emergency broadcasts, sporting events, or other programming.
Court reporters who record statements for deaf and hard-of-hearing people often use CART technology (Communication Access Real-Time Translation). CART reporters often work with hard-of-hearing students or with people who are learning English as a second language. They provide precise, clear transcripts for these school or college classes. CART reporters also accompany deaf clients to various events, conventions, or doctor's appointments.
Remote services can also be provided, especially if audio communication is important. CART reporting is very important in case of emergencies. The people's safety is heavily linked to the skill of the court reporter, who has to make the information easily discernible for hard-of-hearing people. This particularly applies to tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes, when information has to be quickly disseminated.
The work environment
Most court reporters work in comfortable settings. These include the offices of attorneys, courtrooms, various legislatures, or conventions. Many court reporters also work at home, thanks to new technology and new devices. Similarly, many court reporters work as independent contractors or freelancers.
Working as a court reporter is low-risk, although sitting for long periods can be problematic, especially for older reporters. Some court reporters can suffer back, wrist, neck, or eye strain. Repetitive stress injuries can also be an issue – some reporters can suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Moreover, the pressure to be fast and accurate can be stressful.
Usually, court reporters work about 40 hours per week. Overtime is common, especially when preparing transcripts. Self-employed or freelance court reporters work flexible hours but may work during evenings or weekends. This is particularly demanding if they are on call.
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