What does a court reporter do?
Short Answer: They hang on every word you say.
Long Answer: Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of speeches, conversations, legal proceedings, meetings, and other events through a special language (no, not Klingon) stenography.
Stenography is a system of symbols that represent words, sounds and phrases that can capture speech faster than typing regular letters can. It’s like how my nephew asks for chinuggets instead of chicken nuggets. The symbols are then translated into regular text through a stenotype machine or computer. Sometimes court reporters record things through audio equipment or voice-writing techniques.
Then the court reporter prepares the transcripts to the judges and lawyers who examine the documents that often shape their cases. Did they defendant say the did or didn’t go to the prosecutors house with a shotgun? A few words can make a big difference in nearly any case.
Many court reporters work in attorney’s offices, courtrooms and other government settings. Some even do freelance work.
Court reporters are also employed by television producers and stations in order to provide real-time closed captioning of live programs for the hearing-impaired.
Education Level and Skill Set
Court reporters need an excellent command of language, a knack for attention to detail and the ability to focus for long periods of time. Depending on what area the student goes into a knowledge of legal and medical terminology is necessary.
Distance learning and online training courses are also available for both methods
Court reporters then become certified through the National Court Reporters Association. Court reporters are required to attend continuing education courses to maintain their license.
Perks of the Job
You get to record all the gory/juicy details of a court proceeding. If you think watching Law and Order is a treat, then get ready for this! Also, depending on what sector you work in you can have fairly flexible hours.
Projected Salary
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics had earnings of between $30,680 and $60,760 for the middle 50% of court reporters.
By the Numbers
- The average length of time it takes to become a court reporter is 33 months.
- Training is offered by about 130 post secondary vocational and technical schools and colleges.
- NCRA-certified programs require students to capture a minimum of 225 words per minute, a requirement for Federal Government employment as well.
- Court reporters held about 19,000 jobs in 2006.
- More than half worked for State and local governments.
- Around 8 percent of court reporters were self-employed
- Employment of court reporters is projected to grow 25 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations between 2006 and 2016.
Interesting Tidbit
- The National Court Reporters Association holds a speed contest with the top recorded speed recorded at a slick 280 words per minute.
- Court reporting is one of the oldest professions in the world, in ancient times they were referred to as scribes.
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