In situations where a word-for-word account of spoken words is required, a court reporter creates a written transcript. For those with hearing impairments, many of these situations involve judicial proceedings, but they can also involve closed captioning and real-time translation services. The ultimate responsibility of a court reporter is to provide an accurate and complete record.
Depositions, meetings, speeches, and other verbal conversations may be transcribed a court reporter. Court reporters can also help judges and attorneys with research and organization in some cases. Some states require that a court reporter be a notary public, and others require state licensure testing.
Court reporting can be done in a variety of ways. The most common method, stenographic transcription, employs a stenotype machine, which allows the reporter to use multiple keys to represent sounds, words, and phrases. The keys generate symbols that are digitally recorded, then translated and displayed as text. A student must attend classes for two to three years at a vocational or technical school or college to prepare for this type of court reporting.
A stenotype machine is also used in real-time court reporting. In real-time reporting, however, the machine is connected to a computer that displays text on a screen in real time. This method of court reporting is used in courts, classes, meetings, and closed-caption television. This field of court reporting is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.
Another type of court reporting is electronic reporting. It entails recording court proceedings with analog or digital equipment. An electronic court reporter takes notes on the audio recording and ensures that it is clear and of high quality before producing a written transcript from it. On-the-job training is required for this type of court reporting.
Another method of court reporting is voice writing. A voice silencer is used instead of a stenographic machine in this method. The court reporter uses a hand-held mask with a microphone to repeat testimony. Emotional reactions and gestures must also be verbalized the court reporter. Other people in the room can’t hear the repeated testimony and commentary because of the voice silencer. A year or less of training is required to become a voice writer.
A court reporter might work in a courtroom, for a lawyer or government agency, for a court reporting agency, or for television networks or cable stations.