KW Blog

The Magic Behind the Keys: What exactly is a Court Reporter? If you’ve ever been in a courtroom or a deposition, you’ve probably noticed someone sitting quietly with a strange looking little keyboard, typing away like their life depends on it. That’s the court reporter—the person responsible for capturing every single word spoken, no matter how fast or complex the conversation gets. But what exactly are they doing on that odd machine, and why is it so important? Let’s pull back the curtain on this fascinating profession and explore what makes court reporting such a vital and impressive part of the legal system.

A Keyboard Unlike Any Other: The Steno Machine

At first glance, a stenotype machine might resemble a typewriter designed by aliens. It has only 22 keys, far fewer than your standard QWERTY keyboard. Yet, this compact device allows court reporters to capture the spoken word with incredible speed and accuracy. How?

Phonetics: The Language of the Steno Machine

Unlike a regular keyboard where each key represents a letter, the steno machine operates on phonetics—how words sound rather than how they’re spelled. This means court reporters can capture entire syllables or even words with a single stroke. For example:

• The word “cat” might be written as “KAT.”
• The words “circumstantial evidence” might be written as “SKEFD.”

Each stroke represents a combination of sounds, pieced together using steno theory, a system of rules that allows for speed and consistency.

This Is How A Court Reporter Typewriter Works

Breaking Down the Steno Keyboard

The steno keyboard is divided into sections:

1. Left Side: Represents initial consonants.
2. Right Side: Represents final consonants.
3. Vowels: Located in the middle, allowing combinations to form words.

For instance, to write the word “cat”:

• The “K” sound is pressed on the left side.
• The “A” vowel is struck in the middle.
• The “T” sound is pressed on the right side.

All this happens simultaneously—yes, simultaneously! It’s like playing a piano, but instead of producing music, court reporters create a written record of spoken language.

The Theory: A Reporter’s GPS

Learning steno theory is like learning a new language. Court reporters train for years to master this system, memorizing thousands of briefs (shortcuts for common words or phrases). For example:

• “Objection” might be briefed as “OBGS“
• “Do you recall” could become a single stroke: “DOURL.”

These briefs allow reporters to keep up with rapid speech, ensuring nothing is lost.

Training for the Role

Becoming a court reporter is no small feat. It requires dedication, discipline, and years of rigorous training. Most court reporters attend specialized schools or programs that focus exclusively on the skills needed for this demanding profession. Here’s what the journey typically entails:

Time Commitment

Training to become a court reporter usually takes 2-5 years, depending on the program and the student’s pace. It’s a blend of classroom education, hands-on practice, and countless hours of drills.

Classes and Curriculum

The coursework is comprehensive, covering:

• Medical Terminology: Understanding complex medical jargon for cases involving injuries or healthcare disputes.
• Legal Terminology: Learning the language of the law to accurately capture proceedings.
• Grammar, Spelling, and Vocabulary: Ensuring the final transcript is polished and professional.
• The Legal System: Gaining a deep understanding of court procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Preparing to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

Practice and Memorization

Success as a court reporter hinges on practice. Students spend countless hours memorizing briefs and perfecting their speed and accuracy. Practice sessions often involve transcribing mock trials, depositions, and legal scenarios. To build speed, students progressively increase their typing rates, aiming to surpass the 225-word-per-minute benchmark.

Real-World Experience

Many programs include internships or externships, giving students the opportunity to shadow experienced court reporters and gain exposure to real-world settings. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and skill.

Speed and Precision: The Race Against Time

Most people speak at 150-200 words per minute. Attorneys in full swing? Easily 250 words per minute or more. To keep up, court reporters must type at speeds exceeding 225 words per minute with 98% accuracy—a standard set by certification exams.

The Brain Power of a Court Reporter

The court reporter’s brain is a marvel of multitasking and linguistic gymnastics. When people speak, their words go through an astonishing mental process in the reporter’s mind:

1. Input: The spoken words enter the court reporter’s ears. Their brain instantly recognizes and processes the sounds, distinguishing between accents, speeds, and even overlapping speakers.
2. Translation: The brain translates these sounds into steno theory, converting the language into phonetic strokes. This step requires deep knowledge of briefs, steno principles, and contextual understanding to ensure accuracy.
3. Output: Simultaneously, the brain sends signals to the hands to press the correct keys on the steno machine, producing a written record in a completely different “language.”
4. Editing in Real Time: While writing, the court reporter’s brain also predicts and adjusts for potential errors, ensuring homophones (like “there” and “their”) are correctly distinguished based on context.

This process happens at lightning speed, often compared to playing a high-speed game of chess while running a marathon. A doctor once described this as a court reporter’s ability to split their brain into multiple tasks: listening, processing, writing, and anticipating—all while maintaining focus amid courtroom distractions.

The Importance of the Record

Why go to such lengths to capture every word? The court reporter’s transcript is the official record of proceedings. It’s a vital document used in appeals, legal arguments, and historical archives. Without it, the judicial system would lack a reliable, unbiased account of what transpired.

The Unsung Heroes of Justice

Court reporters are more than typists; they are guardians of the spoken word. Their work ensures that every voice is heard and preserved, from the whispered objections to the emphatic closing arguments. They bring precision and professionalism to a role that’s as challenging as it is crucial.

So next time you see a court reporter, remember: beneath their calm exterior lies a whirlwind of mental gymnastics, linguistic expertise, and lightning-fast reflexes. They’re the unsung heroes of the legal world, transforming the chaos of the courtroom into a clear, concise record for generations to come.

Streamlining your deposition process is crucial for maintaining both efficiency and effectiveness in legal proceedings, as it can significantly impact the overall success of your case by reducing delays, minimizing errors, and ensuring that all necessary information is accurately captured. To assist you in achieving a more streamlined and well-organized deposition process, here are five key steps that you can implement to enhance your workflow and optimize your results:

1. Pre-Deposition Preparation

Create a Checklist

• List of Exhibits: Ensure all exhibits are organized and easily accessible.
• Witness Preparation: Review the deposition process with witnesses, emphasizing key points and potential questions.
• Court Reporter Coordination: Confirm the availability and requirements of the court reporter.

Example

For instance, if you’re handling a complex case with multiple exhibits, categorize them into folders and label each one clearly. This way, during the deposition, you can quickly reference any document without causing delays.

2. Utilize Technology

Video Depositions

• Benefits: Video depositions can capture non-verbal cues and are useful for witnesses who cannot attend in person.
• Setup: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and quality recording equipment.

Real-Time Transcription

• Advantages: Provides immediate access to the transcript, allowing for quick review and follow-up questions.
• Tools: Use tools like LiveDeposition or CaseViewNet for seamless real-time transcription.

Example

In a recent deposition, using real-time transcription helped the legal team address inconsistencies in the witness’s testimony on the spot, rather than waiting for the transcript to be processed.

3. Efficient Questioning Techniques

Prepare an Outline

• Structured Approach: Organize your questions logically to ensure all relevant points are covered.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt based on the witness’s responses.

Use Open-Ended Questions

• Engagement: Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses, providing more comprehensive information.
• Clarification: Follow up with clarifying questions to ensure accuracy.

Example

An attorney prepared a detailed outline but remained flexible during the deposition, allowing for follow-up questions that uncovered crucial details about the case.

4. Effective Communication

Clear Instructions

• Expectations: Clearly explain the deposition process and expectations to the witness beforehand.
• Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to maintain focus and reduce fatigue.

Coordination with Court Reporter

• Briefing: Brief the court reporter on any specific terminologies or names they might encounter.
• Feedback: Provide feedback to ensure accurate transcription.

Example

By briefing the court reporter on technical jargon specific to a medical malpractice case, the legal team ensured that the transcript was accurate and free of misunderstandings.

5. Post-Deposition Review

Immediate Transcript Review

• Accuracy: Review the transcript immediately to catch any errors or omissions.
• Follow-Up: Identify any areas needing further clarification or follow-up.

Summary Preparation

• Key Points: Summarize the key points and relevant information from the deposition.
• Next Steps: Outline the next steps based on the deposition findings.

Example

After reviewing the transcript, the legal team identified a critical inconsistency in the witness’s statements, which led to a follow-up deposition and ultimately strengthened their case.

Conclusion

Streamlining your deposition process involves thorough preparation, effective use of technology, efficient questioning, clear communication, and diligent post-deposition review. By following these steps, you can ensure a more efficient and productive deposition process, ultimately aiding in the success of your case.

This picture sums up much of our life. Creating a business while growing our families has been one of the most challenging things we have ever done. Five years ago, Whitney and I started our court reporting business from our homes. Whitney had a one-year-old boy, and I was six months pregnant with my son. Luckily, we had a super supportive family. Our husbands encouraged us to go for it, and our parents did whatever they could to help grow our business. Our mom and dad would meet us in parking lots outside law firms, and our mom would bring us chocolate chip cookies she baked the night before to bring to our current and prospective clients. Occasionally, when peering out the window, we could see our kids being chased down a sidewalk or through a lobby, all while the attorneys had no idea it was our family waiting for us. Since then we’ve both had daughters and continually grown our business, each day bringing successes and challenges we could never imagine. Pictured here are our precious babies, a rambunctious group that unknowingly motivated Whitney and me to be great mothers and dedicated business owners. We are proud to be family owned, women owned and a minority-owned business. To all our clients, thank you for making our dreams come true and allowing us to be part of your personal and professional lives. Reporters, we love you all and send respect and profound gratitude for the often thankless hard work.

Effective April 1, 2014, transcripts in civil, probate, and mental health proceedings where there was a court reporter can be ordered online. The online request is available from the Court’s public website, www.occourts.org, accessed from the pull-down menu under: QUICK LINKS, How Do I … Request a Transcript?

Santa Ana, CA – Orange County is making it easier for the public to order their transcripts. Effective April 1, 2014, transcripts in civil, probate, and mental health proceedings where there was a court reporter can be ordered online. The online request is available from the Court’s public website, http://www.occourts.org, accessed from the pull-down menu under: QUICK LINKS, How Do I … Request a Transcript?

The Court has created this automated Online Transcript Request Program in an effort to expedite the transcript request process. As many of you have probably experienced, it can take weeks, if not longer, for the court reporter to get back to you regarding your transcript request. That’s because of all the steps you have to go through to get that request into the court reporter’s hands.

Your request will now be sent directly to the court reporter that was present at the proceeding. The reporter will provide you with a cost estimate and make arrangements for payment. The new process is easy to use and requires only that you provide the case number.

The closely watched suit challenging five California statutes governing teacher protections came to a conclusion yesterday, as lawyers for the plaintiffs and defendents in Vergara v. California made their closing arguments. (Both LA School Report and The Los Angeles Times have good summaries for you.)

According to Education Week, March 28, 2014 – The closely watched suit challenging five California statutes governing teacher protections came to a conclusion yesterday, as lawyers for the plaintiffs and defendents in Vergara v. California made their closing arguments. (Both LA School Report and The Los Angeles Times have good summaries for you.)

The lawsuit, bankrolled by a Silicon Valley entreprenuer and argued by some of the same lawyers who argued the Proposition 8 gay-marriage case before the U.S. Supreme Court, seeks to overturn rules governing teacher dismissal, tenuring, and layoffs in the Golden State.

The course of the two-month trial, heard by Judge Rolf N. Treu without a jury in Los Angeles Superior Court, hinges on very different readings of the laws in question: Is 18 months too short of a time to decide whether to grant teachers tenure, or is it sufficient and indeed in the best interest of students? Are seniority rules blind to real differences in teacher quality, or is it the only fair and objective way to govern layoffs? Are low dismissal rates of poorly performing teachers the result of the state’s “byzantine” procedures, or the failure of administrators to adhere to them?

At the heart of many of those questions is the still-thorny issue of how to identify the best teachers. That’s been a national theme, with some 35 states crafting new evaluation systems to help identify and remediate their teachers.

Underscoring the lack of consensus on the topic, though, attorneys for the plaintiffs called several youths who painted unflattering portraits of their teachers, as well as researchers who testified to earnings and educational benefits of those students taught by teachers with high “value added” scores.

Lawyers representing the state of California and the two state teachers’ unions noted the district awards some of those teachers had received—and said that “value added” methods were flawed and unreliable. Both sides also called a number of well known education researchers, exposing rifts among academics on those same topics.

The parties will have until April 10 to submit final briefs in the case. Judge Treu then will have 90 days to issue a ruling. Whatever it is, the opposing side is almost certain to appeal.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/teacherbeat/2014/03/fate_of_california_teacher_protections.html

In a temporary settlement of a dispute that led employees to picket in front of the county courthouse last year, about 100 court reporters will get $2,300 each to help cover a huge jump in their health care costs.

But the payments aren’t a permanent fix, and talks will restart in September between the reporters’ union and court officials. Court reporters transcribe every hearing and trial.

The dispute started in 2012, when the court cut the reporters from 40 hours a week to 35 and deemed them part-time employees. That meant a 12.5 percent pay cut and a spike in health care premiums that took effect last year. One veteran reporter, Debi Pinkham, said her monthly payments went from $400 to $1,200.

The increase was so dramatic because the court pays 75 percent of health care premiums for full-time employees, but only half as much – 37.5 percent – for part-time workers.

In December, the court and the union representing reporters agreed to split a one-time health-insurance subsidy for reporters of $2,316 a person.

That will cost the court and the union, the Orange County Employees Association, about $115,000 apiece.

Jennifer Muir, assistant general manager for the union, said union officials and reporters hope the state restores some court funding between now and September when contract talks restart.

Orange County Superior Court officials declined to comment beyond the signed agreement, spokeswoman Gwen Vieau said.

State funding for Orange County courts in the most recent year was $13 million less than it had been two years prior. The court used $19 million in reserve funds to cover a revenue shortage in its 2013-14 budget.

But next year’s revenue is expected to fall $40 million short of planned expenses, and court officials have said state rules will prevent them from using reserve money to cover that gap.

During their lunch breaks in November, court reporters stood outside the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana holding banners and signs with messages including “Restore my full-time benefits” and “Superior Court of Wal-Mart.”

As they stood with protest signs, reporters said they understood the need for shared sacrifice at a time of budget cuts. They wouldn’t have complained if everyone took furlough days or had to share a similar increase in health care costs. But they said they were singled out, perhaps because of a perception they made too much money.

An experienced reporter could earn $78,000 to $93,000 a year before the cuts, one said. Reporters said they’ve earned those salaries through state qualifications and years of experience.

At the time, Muir compared the court’s move to corporations making workers part time to get out of paying benefits.

She contrasted the treatment of the reporters with that of the judges who are ultimately their bosses. Judges, who make more than $178,000, pay nothing toward their own health care.

Meanwhile, reporters said the changes forced them to cancel vacations or take out loans to send kids to college. One reporter said her take-home pay went down $21,000 a year.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/court-605970-reporters-time.html