Services Offered by a Court Reporter
Court reporters are an integral part of the legal process. Their main role is to provide a verbatim transcript of depositions, hearings and other meetings where a precise record is required. Using shorthand notes and a stenotype machine, court reporters (often called stenographers) capture the spoken conversations as well as other actions that occur during a legal event. After capturing this information in their notes, court reporters then create verbatim transcripts of the event. These transcripts must be accurate, prepared in a standardized format, and produced in a timely manner. The court reporter then provides these transcripts to the parties involved and to the court. However, they can provide a range of other services that are not limited to the courtroom. Let’s take a closer look at services offered by court reporters.
Realtime Transcription Services
Realtime reporting allows court reporters to instantaneously translate their shorthand notes into accurate, realtime transcripts. This process is made possible by connecting the reporter’s stenotype machine to a computer with special translation software. The benefits of using this advanced service are that the text of the transcript can instantly be displayed on courtroom monitors and projection screens, even into remote locations. Additionally, court reporters who can provide real time reporting can also provide expedited delivery of final transcripts or rough drafts of the proceedings.
Videography
When a written record of a proceeding isn’t enough to “show” a jury the demeanor or physical injury of a litigant, videography can be invaluable. Video can be sync’d to run concurrently with the transcript so a jury or mediator can read and also watch a person as they testify.
Video Conferencing
If an important witness lives in another state or country, but their testimony is imperative to a proceeding, video conferencing will allow you to see each other without the necessity of traveling or being out of the office for an extended period of time.
Not Limited to the Courtroom
Court reporters’ services are not limited to the courtroom. They can be helpful with taking records of meetings, focus groups or other gatherings requiring a verbatim record of those proceedings. Some court reporters even provide captioning for TV programs. These types of reporters are called steno-captioners, and they can caption various TV programs (news, sports, and shows) for those with hearing impairments.
I offer the following court reporting services.
Realtime Reporting
Condensed Transcripts
Index and Video Services
If you are in need of other services, please feel free to contact me, as I may be able to arrange such services.