A Court Reporter creates transcript of all things said in court, and there are 3 methods by which he/she accomplishes the task.
- Stenography
- Voice writing
- Electronic reporting
Each method is very different and training is involved to become proficient. Different methods are used depending on the court. Nevertheless, hard copy transcripts must eventually be developed for documentation. A Court Reporter is also needed for other legal processes such as depositions and committee meetings. The documentation of what was said is a very important job and so it requires the Court Reporter to be highly accurate. Being familiar with different methods of court reporting can show flexibility and make the court reporter qualified for more positions, even if reporting methods are different.
The Court Reporter can have other tasks before or after the court trials and depositions such as; preparing transcription programs or dictionaries, and then preparing and proof-reading transcripts after they are created. Several important skills are required for this job such as being a good listener, being fast, and being accurate. Good typing skills will lend to the skill set if stenography is used to record the court trial. The fine motor skills and dexterity for typing and stenography are similar. Good proof reading skills will be necessary to review the documentation. Again, the Court Reporter's records of the trials or depositions are the only documentation relied upon by the court so they must have impeccable accuracy.
Court Reporters require good training and the courses usually require a commitment of 1 to 3 three years. There is training available in Criminal Justice Schools as well as online. The ability to get into "on-the-job training is very beneficial in building speed and accuracy in the reporting methods. Most employers require a background check and a performance test so you have a chance to show them your training with the recording instruments they use in court.
Salaries for Court Reporters are going to be based on the level of experience, and come down to speed and accuracy. The best court reporters can make up to $75,000 a year. Entry level Court Reporters with little experience can begin as low as $25,000 a year. With experience reporters can improve their skills and increase earning power.
The outlook for Court Reporters over the next 5 to seven years is predicted to be excellent because fewer people have prepared to enter the profession over the last several years. This is expected to create a demand for Court Reporters. As the facts indicate, it takes a few years of study and preparation to begin a career in Court Reporting and there are schools in most major cities, and some junior colleges can also offer the courses. The career puts you in the heart of all the court action and is a demanding and important position as the Court Reporter creates all the documentation regarding court proceedings. The salary can be very rewarding as experience accumulates. If you have always had an interest in being involved in the workings of the court, you can put yourself up front and center as a Court Reporter.
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