What Do Court Reporters Do Besides Legal Proceedings?

On television shows, court reporters are always depicted as the person taking down testimony in a court trial

. While legal testimony is one forum where they are found, they also provide verbatim transcription of many other types of proceedings that have nothing to do with a courtroom. Also called stenographers or court stenographers, they are capable of recording all different types of conversations and hearings as well. They use a stenograph machine to take down everything that is said syllable by syllable. They later transform this into a written record of words, sentences and paragraphs. Each speaker is identified and what they say is incorporated into a booklet with numbered lines on each page for easy reference. As long as only one person speaks at a time, they are capable of recording proceedings with multiple witnesses and speakers.

Conventions

Different groups and organizations hold regional and national conventions every year or even biannually. They like to have a record of everything that was said so that they can reference it later. It is also helpful for those that were not present that would like to see what transpired in their absence. The conventions include anything from banquets with speakers to breakout sessions and seminars, awards ceremonies, memorial services and business meetings.

Public Hearings

Local, state and federal agencies sometimes conduct public hearings to find out what the general opinion is of those who may be affected by legislation or other decisions. Citizens are invited to attend. The court stenographer can take public speakers and individual statements and incorporate them into a written record of the hearing.

Meetings

Official board meetings for corporations, such as banks and condominium associations frequently have clauses in their bylaws requiring a professional, certified transcription of meetings. Court reporting companies often provide this service.

CART

Hearing impaired people serve as witnesses and parties to legal cases. They may also be students in class at a state university or a family in church. A Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) reporter can provide written translations of what is being said in the room so that the hearing impaired individual or individuals can read it on a screen as it is happening. This enables active participation in events that were once full of obstacles.

Insurance Agencies

When insurance companies need more information from the person filing a claim, they may send an investigator to ask questions. This can be done under oath or not, depending on the situation. Stenographers will take down everything that is said so that the agency can have a clear record of questions and answers. Insurance companies will often require a policyholder to participate. If they do not appear, their claim for damages will be denied. The claim may be approved or denied based on what is said in the examination.

by: Christine Harrell

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