NCJ Number
138895
Journal
Trial Volume: 28 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 40-42
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Keeping the record is still the top priority for court reporters but now they must also speed up the process, cut costs, and help the hearing-impaired; today many reporters use computers to meet these demands.
Abstract
In a computer-aided transcription system, the reporter's stenotype machine is linked directly to a computer. As the reporter keys in coded data, electronic signals are transmitted that translate the message into written English for printing a transcript. In cases where speed is critical, a reporter working with a copy editor called a "scopist" can produce the transcript almost as quickly as the attorneys can act. As the court reporter keys in information, the scopist corrects spelling, clarifies ambiguities, and carries out other copy editing functions. Within minutes of completion of the proceedings, attorneys can have a printed transcript to review. Many court- reporting firms are providing video teleconferencing services that enable attorneys to take depositions from witnesses in remote locations. In some jurisdictions court reporters are required to make transcripts available on floppy disks if attorneys request them. 5 notes