Define: Court Reporter

A court reporter is a trained professional responsible for creating an accurate and verbatim record of court proceedings, including trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings.

The qualifications to become a court reporter vary by jurisdiction, but typically include completion of a court reporting program and certification or licensure by a recognized professional organisation.

Court reporters use stenographic machines or voice recognition technology to capture spoken words and convert them into written form. They also mark exhibits and ensure the accuracy of the transcript.

Yes, court reporters can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, and corporate environments. They may also provide services for closed captioning, webcasting, and transcription.

Court reporters primarily create a real-time written record of proceedings. However, they may also be responsible for transcribing audio or video recordings if requested by the court or parties involved.

The time required to transcribe a proceeding depends on its length and complexity. Generally, it can take several hours to several days for a court reporter to produce an accurate transcript.

Yes, court reporters are bound by strict confidentiality rules. They are required to maintain the confidentiality of all information disclosed during proceedings and are prohibited from disclosing any confidential or privileged information.

Court reporters have the right to refuse to transcribe certain proceedings if they believe it violates their ethical obligations or conflicts with their professional responsibilities. However, such refusals are rare and typically require valid legal grounds.

To request a copy of a court reporter’s transcript, you typically need to contact the court or agency where the proceedings took place. There may be fees associated with obtaining a copy, and the process may vary depending on the jurisdiction.