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Career In Court Reporting

Career In Court Reporting

A career in court reporting demands one to be accurate, thorough and complete in the recording and transciptions of legalproceedings, speeches and conversations where they will be used in judicial proceedings. They are also needed in meetingswhere the word spoken has to be recorded down as a written transcript. This most common method of doing this reporting isby using a Stenograph machine in recording what is being said during the proceeding. The machine allows the pressing ofmultiple keys simultaneosly to record combinations of letters representing words or sounds. The symbols are recorded electronically and then translated to be displayed as text by using a computer.

As the accuracy of the end document is needed, one must have excellent listening skills. On top of that, the knowledgeof legal terminology and a good grasp of English grammar are absolutely necessary. Court reporters are required to haveappropriate certification before they are allowed to do the job. A 2 year to 4 year degree program can be taken in variouscolleges.

Nature of Work

Official court reporters usually work 40 hour/week. Many freelance court reporters work part time, during the weekends andtheir hour of work is flexible. The typical job nature and responsibilities of a court reporter are listed as below.

Create Transcripts Create Transripts of legal proceedings, speeches, conversations, meetings and other events.

Information Search Assist judges in searching for information in the official record when needed.

Proceeding Assist in recommending the procedure regarding courtroom administration to judges and attorneys.

Real Time Translating Provide real time translating services to the deaf and hearing impaired community when theneed arises. This is done by using a computer linked to the Stenotype Machine where the symbols are being translated intotext on the computer screen for the user to see.