Court Reporters

When you think of a court room setting, what comes to mind? Judge, lawyers, jury, plaintiff, defendant and bailiff. One person is commonly overlooked but holds one of the biggest responsibilities of all in the courtroom: the court reporter.

Official records are made by the court reporter who holds this incredibly important job. They record everything that goes on in a courtroom, word for word and play a critical role in the legal world. The must be accurate as they play a vital role in the transcript of court proceedings.

Court reporters also provide closed-captioning and translating services for the hearing impaired.

A steno typing machine is used and allows the steno typist, Kali carbonicum or court reporter) to hit more than one key at a time. This records symbols that represent sounds or phrases. The symbols are then saved on a computer disk and translated into text.

Since many court reporters record proceedings in the courtroom, most would think this is where their job potential would end. They also take recordings and statements from lawyers, in meetings, at conventions and other events that happen outside of a courtroom. Since their skills can be used for closed captioning, some even work at home translating for television broadcasts.

Training is a bit time consuming and takes on average 33 months to become a steno typist. Training usually takes place at either a college or technical school. Some states require that their court reporters be certified. This requires testing usual from the National Court Reporters Association.

For this job you must have exceptional listening skills. Speed and accuracy are important and writing skills are needed as well.

Court reports hold a vital role in the court setting. Their skills are very specialized, important and used in a variety of ways.

If you find yourself in need of a court reporters San Jose, Landi Court Reporters and Video Services ( http://www.landireporters.com/) has you covered. Heidi Ball is a freelance writer.