A career in court reporting demands one to be accurate, thorough and complete in the recording and transcriptions of legal proceedings, speeches and conversations where they will be used in judicial proceedings. They are also needed in meetings where the word spoken has to be recorded down as a written transcript.
This most common method of doing this reporting is by using a Stenograph machine in recording what is being said during the proceeding. The machine allows the pressing of multiple 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 knowledge of legal terminology and a good grasp of English grammar are absolutely necessary. Court reporters are required to have appropriate certification before they are allowed to do the job. A 2 year to 4 year degree program can be taken in various colleges.
Nature of Work
Official court reporters usually work 40 hour/week. Many freelance court reporters work part time, during the weekends and their hour of work is flexible. The typical job nature and responsibilities of a court reporter are listed as below.