Court reporters transcribe spoken speech into written words in a legal environment, using machine shorthand or digital recorders. Training includes academic courses, and ongoing practice is necessary to maintain licenses. Court reporters can find profitable freelancing opportunities and work in the media industry.
Court reporting is an occupation where a person transcribes recorded or spoken speech into written words while in a legal environment. Those employed as court reporters are usually responsible for producing transcripts of hearings, depositions, and other types of legal transcripts. A court reporter may also be referred to as a stenotype reporter, stenomask writer, or voice writer.
Machine shorthand or a digital recorder and voice silencer are the usual tools of the court reporting trade. Machine abbreviation allows court reports to be as close to the original speech as possible because no part of the speech is left out of the transcript. Voice writers repeat what lawyers, witnesses and other speakers say, literally. The skills to pay attention to minute details, concentrate for long periods of time, and understand the language being transcribed are all necessary to become a competent court reporter.
Training for court reporting includes academic courses. Those interested in earning a degree in the voice reporting type of court reporting can take classes to help them understand legal and medical language, business law, and, of course, English. Typically, a degree can be obtained within two years. Court stenotype reports, on the other hand, may require much more specialized training, and basic completion of courses may require a commitment of up to six years. However, prospective students can attend correspondence, mail or online courses with the following on-site training.
Potential students reporting to the courts should know that their training does not end after obtaining a degree. Court reporters should regularly practice their skills to improve accuracy and speed. They must also continue their studies. Both measures are necessary to maintain licenses. Some states may also require a court reporter to act as a notary so that they can testify on witnesses and certify that the account of the proceedings is complete and truthful.
If a court reporter joins professional organizations and follows their training, he or she may find court reporting profitable. Freelancing opportunities at arbitration hearings, religious services, educational settings or other public events may also present court reporters with greater earning potential. In addition, a court reporter can introduce himself to the media world by acting as an independent contractor who transcribes live programs into closed-captioned television or webcasts for Internet sites.
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