Understanding the Role of the Court Reporter

Personal Injury Lawyer

For those unfamiliar with legal processes, court reporting may be a component that you had not even considered. In fact, court reporters play an important role when it comes to a number of legal issues. Courts, judges, attorneys and those with legal entanglements rely heavily upon court reporters for their services. Not only do they provide transcripts for attorneys to review as they prepare for the courtroom, the transcripts they provide may serve as a time capsule that can be captured at a later date. If you are unfamiliar with the work of a court reporter, having questions regarding their functions and the services they provide is not at all uncommon.  

Why is it a good idea to have a court reporter?

For centuries, early versions of court reporters, known as scribes have played an intricate role in capturing historically relevant information. Court reporters take on this role within the courtroom by transcribing legal proceedings. Records that are developed by a court reporter are vital for a number of reasons. When a court reporter records a deposition, the record created is utilized by attorneys when legally strategizing for courtroom proceedings. A transcription in the courtroom may be key when preparing a case or appealing one. Without an available record, it may be difficult for an attorney to capture key elements to a case.

Is technology a better alternative?

In recent years, courtrooms across the country have turned to recording proceedings or using technologically advanced equipment to document legal proceedings. This has been a cost effective option for courts with smaller budgets. There are a number of downfalls to accessing this these type of machines. Not only can they be inaccurate, they can miss key information, especially when it comes to nuances or body language. In some courtrooms, there is no form of record being created, which could have a serious impact in the event a case is appealed.

How is a court reporter able to keep up with all that is happening?

Court reporters undergo special training to be able to produce transcriptions that are accurate and free from bias. Court reporters have an understanding of the court process, including legal terminology. Court reporters often use a machine in order to capture the events in a courtroom and provide transcripts in a timely manner. There are a few ways in which this is able to occur. A number of court reporters utilize a stenotype machine or computer aided technology. Although there have been a number of technological advancements over the years, the provide very similar functions to the early stenotype machines. Today, court reporters are able to connect a computer or laptop to a stenograph machine in order to produce transcripts almost immediately.

Is a court reporter only available for legal proceedings in a courtroom?

Many do not realize that court reporters provide services that stem far beyond the courtroom. While court reporters may transcribe for alternative legal proceedings outside of the courtroom (such as a deposition). They may also provide transcripts for services that are not entirely removed from the legal field. Court reporters may also work in the following areas as stenographers:

• Closed Captioning for television
• Real-time transcriptions for public forums
• Transcriptions for business meetings
• Religious Events
• Records of large events such as conferences or lectures

If you are curious as to how you may be able to utilize New York court reporters for your upcoming deposition, speak with your attorney today. They may be able to help you to further understand the role of the court reporter.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Veritext Legal Solutions for their insight into court reporting and the role of a court reporter.