When I tell someone I’m a court reporter, often I’m asked, “What is that?” It’s difficult to explain what I do in a short sentence. To help describe what I do, I often hold my hands in front of me, as though on a keyboard, and say, “You know, the person with the little machine who sits in front of the judge in court.” And the person I am speaking to often says, “Oh, yes”. But there’s much more I’d like to tell them about what a court reporter does. So if you have ever wondered what a court reporter does, here is my answer.
First, I can tell you what we are not. We are not the person who reports on news for TV stations. We are not that kind of court news reporter.
Maker of the Record
We are the person who sits in the court room or in a deposition who takes down every spoken word and detail during the proceedings. We prepare official transcripts of the sworn testimony for use by attorneys, judges and litigants. These transcripts are used as the official record of the events that took place during the hearing or trial. We are responsible for certifying that what has been entered is accurate and true to the best of our ability.
Skilled Professional
To become a court reporter, we have gone through college programs that teach us the skill of steno writing at a very high level of speed and accuracy. It can take 2 to 5 years to reach the level of skill that is required to receive certification to work as a court reporter. We have to demonstrate that we can write at a speed of 225 words per minute with 97 percent accuracy.
Court reporters need excellent communication, organizational and time management skills. We have the ability to work in a high-pressure environment. We know how to work under a deadline. The documents we prepare are the only account of the court proceedings and are vital to the credibility of the judicial system. We take this responsibility very seriously.
Attorneys and corporations hire freelance reporters when they have a need for an accurate and complete record of proceedings, such as depositions, board of director meetings, stockholder minutes or other legal proceedings.
Talented Technicians
Court reporters use a computer and stenotype machine to take down the spoken words they hear. The stenotype machine allows the reporter to use a form of shorthand by using sounds of words to record data. The computer uses software called computer-aided transcription to translate the information into English.
Court reporters are using more advanced technology to provide instant transcription in rough draft form on computer screens while the proceeding is in session. This is called realtime translation. This technology is also used to allow the deaf and hard-of-hearing community access to what is happening in a live classroom, meeting, church or theater. This skill is also used to caption live television shows, such as newscasts.
Our profession is a quiet one. We are always in the background, patiently taking down every word that is spoken, sometimes working in very difficult, emotional and trying circumstances, but we always protect the record. We know how important the role is that we play in the legal system, and we are proud to be the keepers of the record.
If you like this post, you might also be interested in this interview with Nicole Roe on her thoughts about being a court reporter.