Have you ever wondered who those typists or transcribers are in the courtroom whenever you watch a film or watch the news? Those are court reporters. As experts, they are essential in the success of a trial or a legal proceeding.
Court reporting is a journalistic profession that requires research and legal skills. Court reporters are trained individuals who can transcribe legal conversation with ease. They ensure that such information can be read easily, archived, and searched effectively. If you are looking for Phoenix, Arizona court reporters, it is helpful to know more about what they do.
Guardians of the Record
Court reporters are popularly called “guardians of the record” due to their role in the judicial process. Staying impartial throughout a hearing or proceeding, they capture every single word being told. Then they make a write-up or transcript of the discussion.
The transcript will serve as the official record of the hearing or proceeding. Such a document is so valuable it helps in protecting the legal process. Litigants can peruse the transcript when they make appeals. During discovery, lawyers use transcripts from the deposition to prepare themselves for a trial.
Court reporters, along with court reporting technologies, offer real-time access to information to all parties concerned. Being real-time allows anyone to immediately look into the transcript for clarification and research information. Their output also serves as a tool for helping those with hearing problems participate effectively.
The Work Process’ Requirements
In every court proceeding or trial, discussions can be long and complicated. Following each statement may require one to be attentive all the time. But with court reporters in tow, anyone involved in the proceeding can refer back to what has been said.
The court reporter uses stenographic skills to write every word being spoken. They write those words down and then convert them electronically. As a journalist per se, court reporters must be prepared all the time as some participants may be experts in particular fields. Doing prior research about the technical terms being said is mandatory. In instances when transcription or translation will be affected by the severe use of jargon, a court reporter may need a technical proofreader’s assistance to smooth out the statements.
After proofreading the initial draft, the court reporter completes a verbatim report of the transcript. It must be readable and understandable enough for anyone interested. This is then kept in the record or archived for future access.
The job of the court reporter also demands some level of legal knowledge. They must understand the proceedings. They maintain a network of contacts in court and is aware of the restrictions or standards in their reporting duties. To be an effective court reporter, ample time and experience must be spent in the courtroom, must have the effort to watch cases, and must have a strong habit of improving day by day.
Court reporting can be challenging. It may only be reserved for those who are diligent and those with a passion to be a part of the legal system. It is a profession that not only requires expertise in journalism but also of the legal process as well as the social situation of those parties involved.
