Court reporting involves the recording of information in situations that require an exact account of spoken words by an educated and trained individual called a court reporter. A court reporter’s other responsibilities include transcribing legal proceedings, preparing accurate records of speeches and meetings, and assisting judges and attorneys in court proceedings or research. These procedures may occur both inside and outside of a courtroom setting.
There are three types of court reporters. Stenographers use a stenotype machine to record and transcribe information. The stenotype machine contains specific keys which represent certain sounds, words, or phrases. These specific keys produce symbols which are electronically recorded, translated, and then shown as text. Electronic reporters use analog or digital recording devices...Read More
Electronic reporters listen to this audio recording to ensure that it is clear, accurate, and of high quality. They then create a written transcript of the audio recording. Voice writers create a commentary of court proceedings. They use a hand-held mask which contains a microphone to complete this task. During a court proceeding, meeting, or speech, etc. the voice writer speaks into the mask, explaining the description of facial reactions as gestures as well as verbally repeating an individual’s testimony. This mask contains a voice silencer to ensure that no one around the voice writer can hear what they are saying.
Students interested in becoming a court reporter should encompass a number of skills and qualities essential in this field. Court reporters must be detail-oriented since their recordings are used as a legal record or by legal professionals in court proceedings. Court reporters must always be focused while they work and must ignore possible distractions which may occur around them. Court reporters must have exceptional listening skills and must give their target speaker their undivided attention. Court reporters must be great at spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Court Reporting Degree Levels Available
Associate’s Degree (in Stenography, Electronic Reporting, or Voice Writing)
The associate’s degree program in court reporting provides students with a broad introduction to this discipline's concepts and practices and prepares students for entry-level positions in the court reporting field. This two-year program includes courses in areas such as English composition, computer-aided transcription, legal procedures and terminology, word processing, business law, and medical and legal diction. Upon graduation, students must obtain licensure from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) before acquiring professional work experience. Applicants undergo a written examination and skills test and upon successful completion of both, will become certified as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR).
Admission Requirements
Although various colleges and universities may vary slightly, students can expect fairly standard admission requirements when applying to obtain an associate’s degree in court reporting. Successful completion of high school or an academic equivalent (such as a GED) is required along with high school transcripts displaying grades obtained in completed courses. An application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend must be completed and submitted along with an application fee, which of course varies depending on the institution.Volunteer and/or work experience in the legal field is always beneficial to the student and will aid in their acceptance during the application process.
Tuition and Accreditation
Tuition fees for an associate’s degree in court reporting may vary from $ 8,085 to $ 23,871. This figure is only an estimate; college and university tuition fees may vary drastically from one institution to another since there are a number of factors which affect tuition such as public versus private institutions, online degrees, federal student assistance programs, etc. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
Colleges and universities which offer an associate’s degree in court reporting must be aligned with ABA (American Bar Association) standards. Most employers only hire students who graduated from an ABA-accredited institution.
Average Annual Salary Range for Court Reporters
A court reporter’s salary is based on various factors which include (but are not limited to) their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. Earnings may vary drastically from person to person. However, $ 43,010 to $ 63,010 is the average range of annual earnings for court reporters (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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