A court reporter’s job is to create a word-for-word account of legal proceedings and meetings so that transcripts of the event can be maintained for reference. If it sounds simple, it isn't. Working as a court reporter is much more than just typing – it requires a lot of training before a person will actually feel comfortable working as a full-time court reporter.
Court reporters also face the additional pressure of being sure that every word is transcribed accurately, as they must capture the verbatim account of the meeting they transcribed into an accurate and secure legal record that can be referred back to if needed.
The Job Description of a Court Reporter
Part of the reason that the field requires so much training and skill is that there are several different ways for a court reporter can take notes. The most common method of transcription is the stenographic method, which uses a stenotype machine to record all of the statements which are given in legal proceedings. The machine can be difficult to learn because it does not employ a standard keyboard. Instead, the machine uses a variety of symbols that can be pressed either individually or at once as needed. As the odd symbols are keyed in, the computer translates them and displays the actual words that were spoken on the screen.
This is often known as court stenography. A court reporter using a stenograph machine may be called a court stenographer.
The second method that court reporters use to take notes is called electronic reporting. This method is pretty straight-forward – the court reporter brings in an electronic device to record the testimony that takes place as the event is happening. Later, the court reporter works through the recording, combines it with the notes they took during the taping and puts them altogether into a complete written transcript of the original proceeding. Most court reporters who use this method use either a small handheld tape recorder or a digital recorder that stores the information on a disk or hard drive of some type.
Finally, the last method that a court reporter might use is known as voice writing. In this method, the court reporter speaks directly into a microphone that's fitted into a specific type of mask. This mask acts as a voice silencer to prevent anyone else from hearing the court reporter in order to minimize distractions in the meeting or legal proceeding. While the reporters relay the events, they not only try to get all of the words repeated into the microphone, but also any relevant hand gestures or emotional reactions. After the event is over, they'll transcribe their recordings onto paper so that there is a typewritten transcript of what transpired.
Like many other jobs, technology has a big impact on the field of court reporting. Reporters who use electronic reporting and voice writing must be sure to use additional backups in case of device failure and they need to know how to repair their devices should any problems arise. In addition, the increasing use of electronic recordings opens the door for court reporters to work as freelancers outside of the traditional court setting. A court reporter’s duties may be varied, but one thing is certain – anyone wishing to join this profession must have a keen eye for detail and an ability to be able to work under pressure while remaining focused.
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