Why Courts Need Court Reporting Services

You may recognize court reporters as the people in legal movies typing quickly at the front of the courtroom. While the job advanced with new technology, the general responsibilities remain the same. Some people may wonder about the necessity of court reporting services, though. Learn more about why courts need reporting services.

What are Court Reporting Services?

Court reporters are professional transcribers of court cases. They document a court case in excruciating detail, recording the statements of every person involved in the case word-for-word, including gestures and actions. 

While laws vary from state to state, court reporters are usually employees of the state. 

In order to accomplish their task, court reporters use one or more of the following transcribing techniques:

• stenography - a shorthand keyboard that translates the shorthand into its long form
• electronic reporting - voice recorder or other electronic recording device capturing media in its entirety, making it easy to review the data
• voice writing - reciting statements word-for-word into a microphone 

Why do Courts Need Court Reporting Services?

1. Accurate record of court proceedings

Many court decisions spark heavy consequences. Court reporting services ensure that all parties involved in a specific case can review the evidence after the fact. The transcription can clear discrepancies about what a particular person said. A judge will assume the accuracy of the report, putting a quick stop to most disagreements. The transcription may also catch previously unnoticed details that can open the door to an appeal. 

2. Verified and legally acknowledged documentation

Court transcriptions follow detailed specifications designed along with state court officials. These transcriptions have the stamp of approval from the government, making them more trustworthy in the eyes of the law compared to an unverified third-party transcription service. These documents hold up in a court of law. 

3. Expertise

Court reporters capture every single word and gesture expressed in the courtroom. Many participants speak quickly for long periods of time, exceeding the speed at which most people can type. Professional transcribers have the skill set to capture the complete statement, including interruptions and two people speaking at once, exactly how it played out in court thanks to their training. Training can include learning how to use a stenograph, how to get the best audio recording from a recorder, and the legalities regarding sharing the transcriptions with others. 

Court transcriptions hopefully don't need to be recovered. However, when they do, you'll be glad you got reliable court reporting services.