Why Court Reporters Are Critical In The Courtroom
Court reporting is one profession where there is very little room for error. As identified in the Guide to Judiciary Policy for federal courts, and pursuant to the Court Reporters Act, all court sessions or other proceedings conducted by rule or court order must be recorded word-for-word. Minor mistakes may happen, but court reporters understand that even one mistake may be too many, especially in the age of real-time transcription (to be further explained below).
At Kusar Court Reporters, we offer a variety of court reporting services for courtrooms, attorneys, law firms, and any other party seeking to record accurate testimony. To find out how we can help you with your next deposition, or if you are a court reporter wishing to join a reputable company, reach out to Kusar Court Reporters today by calling (800) 282-3376.
The Need for Accuracy in the Courtroom
Court reporters are held to a very high standard, where accuracy is expected. Because court reporting is a learned skill that requires years of education and training, it may take court reporters a long time to perfect a skill that is essential to the judicial system. Without accurate court reporting, testimony may not be preserved, which can be a significant issue in some cases.
Court reporters are critical in the courtroom because all parties look to the court reporter to ensure words are recorded accurately. One mistake can change the meaning of an attorney’s question or a witness’s answer. As stated by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), court reporters are relied upon to create the most reliable and accurate transcript of proceedings, whether in the courtroom setting, in a live deposition, or in a remote deposition.
While a courtroom is the most formal setting for a court reporter, qualified court reporters understand that accuracy is crucial in every setting, even when there is sufficient time to review and edit a transcript. As an added measure, court reporters provide witnesses with a form to complete to identify any errors in a final transcript. Any errors are typically minor, but in rare cases, significant mistakes may change the meaning of a statement. As such, court reporting is an industry where accuracy is essential.
Providing “Real-Time” Transcription
Advances in courtroom technology over the past ten years have led to the creation of “real-time” transcription. As the term suggests, a court reporter can provide a readable transcript in real-time as a witness is speaking. Of course, real-time transcription will have a few errors, but the superior quality of a court reporter’s abilities can ensure that even a “real-time” transcript reads well for all parties involved.
The ability to see what a witness is saying in addition to hearing what a witness is saying has helped to streamline many legal proceedings. When all parties can see the words being spoken as they are being spoken, there is less room for dispute as to what a witness said or did not say. “Real-time” transcription is particularly helpful when a witness’s videotaped deposition will be played at trial. As such, not every legal proceeding requires the use of transcription in real-time.
Helping to Refresh Memories
Court reporters are critical to the courtroom not only because of the need for accuracy in a legal transcript, but also because court reporters can help refresh the memories of witnesses, judges, and attorneys. For example, if a witness draws a blank and cannot recall what was recently stated, the witness may look to the court reporter and ask to read back the transcript.
Additionally, a judge may want to know what a particular witness testified earlier in the day. Court reporters can specifically search for what the judge wants, quickly locating testimony that may otherwise take hours to locate. Moreover, if attorneys dispute what a witness stated, a court reporter can clarify the situation by locating the testimony in question and have all parties, and the judge read the testimony. At Kusar Court Reporters, our team has extensive experience in the courtroom, and our court reporters are often called upon to help witnesses and parties review prior testimony.
Where Would We Be Without Court Reporters?
Court reporters have spent decades perfecting a skill that substantially limits the amount of time it takes to conduct a deposition or legal proceeding in the courtroom. In conjunction with advances in technology, court reporters have adapted their skills to a new age where many legal proceedings are conducted remotely. While it is ideal to have the witness and court reporter in the same room, the COVID pandemic has made that impossible in certain cases.
Court reporters are critical in the courtroom whether a legal proceeding is occurring live or remotely. Many court reporters must be available on-demand, adjusting the way they worked for years. Between technological advances, the need to be present at any moment, and the need to produce error-free work, court reporters are the glue that holds legal proceedings together. While many individuals appreciate the dedication of court reporters, far too many people fail to acknowledge the effort court reporters put forth to ensure the accuracy of courtroom transcripts.
Contact Kusar Court Reporters Today
Kusar Court Reporters provides more than transcription court reporting services. We employ videographers, interpreters, translators, offer remote deposition services, have virtual conferencing, and trial support, among other services. If you need any kind of assistance in your trial, we are here to help. Our experienced court reporters ensure that you receive the quality transcipriptions and legal services needed to help you win your case. We understand that attorneys and law firms have their own styles and methods, and we strive to ensure our court reporting services meet the needs of every client. To learn about Kusar Court Reporters, contact us today by calling (800) 282-3376.