Court Reporting Requirements: What are They?
http://www.careerfeed.net/articles/12693/1/Court-Reporting-Requirements-What-are-They/Page1.html
Kevin Wolfe
Have By Kevin Wolfe
Published on 07/7/2010
The court reporter is a professional entrusted with the responsibility of accurately transcribing the words spoken in courtroom hearings, depositions, and legal meetings. In a courtroom setting, he or she can be seen seated in a fixed spot, often before the judge, typing away non-stop at a machine.
The court reporter is a professional entrusted with the responsibility of accurately transcribing the words spoken in courtroom hearings, depositions, and legal meetings. In a courtroom setting, he or she can be seen seated in a fixed spot, often before the judge, typing away non-stop at a machine. Aside from capturing the proceedings, the court reporter may be tasked to provide an instant replay whenever statements need to be clarified, or when sections of the proceedings are vague or ambiguous.
How does one become a court reporter?
One can become a court reporter by completing an Associate of Arts degree to learn more about legal terminology and to learn how to operate the equipment used in recording courtroom proceedings. Again, completion of this 2-year course is not a hard and fast rule. Eligibility as a court reporter is based on passing certification tests or licensing standards, which vary according to the state where the court reporter wishes to work. A uniform requirement for any state certification has, however, been set by the National Court Reporter's Association (NCRA), which has a minimum requirement of 225 words per minute for transcribing spoken words. One can also become a certified court reporter under the NCRA upon completion of a qualifying examination, and upon enrollment in continuing education classes.
So again, the process by which one becomes a court reported varies from state to state. In fact, there are states that require the court reporter to be a licensed notary public as a requirement for certification.
What abilities does a court reporter need to have?
A court reporter needs to have good hearing. This is an oftentimes overlooked requirement. During depositions, court reporters sit in close proximity to speakers, but during actual courtroom hearings, they may sit at a distance from the witness stand and the judge. Good hearing is important in catching the words correctly when people speak all at the same time.
A court reporter needs to have good English skills, which includes grammar, spelling and punctuation. It is important that the transcript be 100 percent accurate since it is the only record of what actually transpired during the legal proceedings.
A court reporter needs to be computer literate. He or she needs to be thoroughly familiar with the speech recognition equipment and stenotype machines that are used in the courtroom.
A court reporter needs to have a basic knowledge of the law. To this end, a 4-year bachelor's education becomes an advantage over a 2-year associate degree. But in any case, a firm grasp of legal terminology will work to the advantage of the court reporter and others working in the legal arena.
Does it pay to become a court reporter?
Courtroom reporting has been described as a high-paying job that requires only two years of training. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2004, more than fifty percent of court reporters earned between $30,690 and $60,750; employment is expected to grow by 25 percent in the coming years. The potential for growth in this career is evident; this is a job that indeed brings in high rewards.
How does one become a court reporter?
One can become a court reporter by completing an Associate of Arts degree to learn more about legal terminology and to learn how to operate the equipment used in recording courtroom proceedings. Again, completion of this 2-year course is not a hard and fast rule. Eligibility as a court reporter is based on passing certification tests or licensing standards, which vary according to the state where the court reporter wishes to work. A uniform requirement for any state certification has, however, been set by the National Court Reporter's Association (NCRA), which has a minimum requirement of 225 words per minute for transcribing spoken words. One can also become a certified court reporter under the NCRA upon completion of a qualifying examination, and upon enrollment in continuing education classes.
So again, the process by which one becomes a court reported varies from state to state. In fact, there are states that require the court reporter to be a licensed notary public as a requirement for certification.
What abilities does a court reporter need to have?
A court reporter needs to have good hearing. This is an oftentimes overlooked requirement. During depositions, court reporters sit in close proximity to speakers, but during actual courtroom hearings, they may sit at a distance from the witness stand and the judge. Good hearing is important in catching the words correctly when people speak all at the same time.
A court reporter needs to have good English skills, which includes grammar, spelling and punctuation. It is important that the transcript be 100 percent accurate since it is the only record of what actually transpired during the legal proceedings.
A court reporter needs to be computer literate. He or she needs to be thoroughly familiar with the speech recognition equipment and stenotype machines that are used in the courtroom.
A court reporter needs to have a basic knowledge of the law. To this end, a 4-year bachelor's education becomes an advantage over a 2-year associate degree. But in any case, a firm grasp of legal terminology will work to the advantage of the court reporter and others working in the legal arena.
Does it pay to become a court reporter?
Courtroom reporting has been described as a high-paying job that requires only two years of training. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2004, more than fifty percent of court reporters earned between $30,690 and $60,750; employment is expected to grow by 25 percent in the coming years. The potential for growth in this career is evident; this is a job that indeed brings in high rewards.