A courtroom.
Court reporting is an occupation in which a person transcribes recorded or spoken speech into written words while in a legal setting. Employees as court reporters are typically responsible for producing hearing transcripts, depositions, and other types of legal transcripts. A court reporter may also be referred to as a stenotype reporter, stenomask reporter, or voice writer.
Some states require that the court reporter be a notary public.
A stenography machine or digital recorder and voice muffler are the usual tools of the court reporter’s trade. Automatic shorthand allows court reports to be as close as possible to the original speech, since no speech classes are omitted from the transcript. Speakers repeat what lawyers, witnesses, and other speakers say, verbatim. The ability to pay attention to the smallest details, concentrate for long periods of time, and understand the language being transcribed are all necessary to become a competent court reporter.
Court reporters attend court hearings to transcribe what is said by all parties.
Training for judicial journalism includes academic courses. Those interested in earning a degree in the type of courtroom voice reporting can take classes to help them understand legal and medical language, business law, and of course, English. A degree can usually be earned in two years. In contrast, the judicial reporting stenotype may require much more specialized training, and completing the basic course may require a commitment of up to six years. However, prospective students can often take correspondence courses through the mail or online, following on-the-job training.
Prospective reporting students should know that their training does not end after obtaining a degree. Court reporters are expected to regularly practice their skills to improve accuracy and speed. They must also continue their studies. Both measures are necessary to maintain the licenses. Some states may also require a court reporter to act as a notary public so that he or she can swear in witnesses and certify that the case report is complete and true.
If a court reporter joins professional organizations and continues their training, they may find court reporting profitable. Freelance opportunities in arbitration hearings, religious services, educational settings, or other public events may also present court reporters with increased earning potential. Additionally, a court reporter can break into the media world by acting as an independent contractor who transcribes live programs for closed captioned television or webcasts for Internet sites.