Court reporters write down everything being said during negotiations, out-of-court examinations or trials. They don’t need super-fast typing skills. Instead, they use special methods like shorthand writing (known as stenography), typing on a special keyboard (known as stenotypy), or using a mask with a microphone to record what’s being said (known as stenomask).
- Self-employed or court reporting firm
- College certificate in transcription or equivalent
- Hearings, examinations and negotiations
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The work of a court reporter
Duties
Court reporters write down everything that is said during legal proceedings such as trials, or negotiations. They must transcribe word for word what each person says. The court reporter’s transcript is the official record of what was said.
During the proceeding, the court reporter:
- uses various methods to record testimony, like shorthand writing (known as stenography), typing on a special keyboard (known as stenotypy), or using a mask with a microphone to record what's being said (known as stenomask);
- double-checks the final version of the transcript to ensure that their notes accurately represent what was said;
- sells the final copy of the transcript to the parties involved or their lawyers. They can also give the final copy of the transcript to the judge.
There are different types of court reporters. Their titles and roles vary depending on where they work. For example : there are official stenographers and court reporters.
Methods
Court reporters use different methods to write down what people say.
- Shorthand is a simplified form of writing made up of abbreviated and conventional signs. It allows court reporters to convert speech to text at the speaking rate.
- Stenotypy is a technique for writing down speech using a special machine, named stenotype, to write text at the speaking rate in a simplified way based on sounds.
- Stenomask is a fitted mask with a microphone that is connected to a recording device. The court reporter wears it and repeats the exact words of those present in court, while adding their names and punctuation to the recording.
Services
In most cases, the court reporter doesn’t write down everything said during a trial as it happens. Instead, courtrooms have audio recording systems. During the trial, the court reporter listens to ensure the audio is clear and asks for clarification if needed. Later, they transcribe what was said from the recordings.
Court reporters offer their services in various situations:
- Taking down what's being said in out-of-court examinations before a trial.
- Transcribing trial or hearing recordings, for instance, if a party disputes the judge's decision in another court or if a lawyer needs the transcripts to prepare their cross-examination.
- Doing live transcription for less formal hearings that aren't recorded, like labor arbitration sessions.
- Testing courtroom technology and recording devices, facilitate communication between parties, clarifying court proceedings or virtual hearings, and ensuring the quality and security of recordings.
Transcripts
Only court reporters can prepare a verbatim transcript of proceedings which is an essential document within the legal system. This official document is referred to if evidence given by witnesses or other information presented during a hearing or other proceedings has to be reviewed. The court reporter must attach a signed certificate to each transcript certifying its authenticity.
For this reason, parties must be able to trust that the court reporter’s work is reliable, unbiased and impartial. When a person becomes a court reporter, he or she makes a pledge to always produce accurate and true transcripts. Only court reporters are authorized to produce official written copies of what was said during legal proceedings.
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Workplace
Most court reporters are self-employed, but sometimes they work for a private court reporting firm. Their clients are generally lawyers and the general public, and they often work for multiple clients at the same time.
Court reporters usually work on location, which can be anywhere. In the case of hearings, court reporters work at the courthouse. However, they may also be required to work onsite at law firms or at a company’s office.
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Education and training
Education and training in French
Several institutions offer training in this field.
Institut Grasset offers a program leading to an Attestation of Collegial Studies (ACS) in transcription by voice recognition (stenomask). Admission requirements are available on the Institut’s website.
Education and training in English
Several schools offer training in English, including the Northern Alberta Insitute of Technologie (NAIT). Admission requirements are available on the NAIT website.
Ontario
In Ontario, you could become a member of the Professional Transcriptionists and Court Reporters Association of Ontario in order to benefit from a wider recognition of skills and competencies and become a certified court reporter.
Other provinces
Other provinces have similar associations, see for example:
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Necessary skills
Here are some of the key skills needed for a career as a court reporter.
Attention to detail
A court reporter has to pay attention to every detail of what is being said and must be very precise. It is critical for court reporters to transcribe things exactly as they are said.
Follow rules
Court reporters may have to use shorthand codes, where following the rules of this code are very important. Court reporters must know and apply the rules of shorthand so that what they write makes sense.
Ability to listen
Court reporters must have excellent listening skills because they must often spend many hours in a row transcribing speech.
Excellent written communication skills
Court reporters must have excellent written communication skills in order to produce accurate, high quality transcripts.
These are just some examples of the skills you would need to be a court reporter. Qualities like being disciplined, thorough and independent would also help you become an excellent court reporter.