Court Reporter

What a Court Reporter Does

Sometimes it is necessary to revisit an old case or meeting and take a closer look at exactly what was said during those proceedings. Court reporters are the reason why it is possible to go back and revisit old trials and gatherings. They are responsible for taking down verbatim records of exactly what was said during a legal proceeding, meeting, or any other event where such records would be needed. They typically sit inside the room and take notes while the event is occurring. Some court reporters also write up the closed-captioning notes for the deaf or hearing impaired so that they too may keep up with the events taking place. Court reporters can use a variety of tools to help them catch all of the words being said, such as stenographic machines, audio equipment, and a voice silencer. After transcribing all of the events, reporters must go back and edit their notes into a comprehensible transcript. Some also make copies of these transcripts and hand them out to all parties involved as well as to the general public.

How to Become a Court Reporter

A background in legal matters, such as the type earned through an associate degree program in criminal justice, can be immensely beneficial to court reporters. Though having a college degree is not a requirement for court reporters, it can help to prove to employers that the applicant possesses the necessary education and skills needed for the position. All court reporters must have completed a vocational training program in the discipline. These programs typically last about a year, though it can take prospective court reporters much longer to actually become proficient at real-time court reporting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the average reporter takes about 33 months to become sufficiently skilled at real-time transcribing. Those who use audio equipment to transcribe the events learn their duties on the job, unlike stenographic reporters who must hone their shorthand and proficiency with the machine before applying. State licensure for court reporters is required in some states, though earning a certification through the National Verbatim Reporters Association is a sufficient substitute for licensure. Those who are licensed can still seek certification, though it is entirely voluntary.

Career Outlook for Court Reporters

With the growing number of live broadcast specials and television and Internet channels that specifically broadcast live events, the need for experienced court reporters is booming. Court reporters are invaluable for their ability to accurately transcribe exactly what is happening as it is happening. This makes their talents highly sought after when it comes to transcribing televised court proceedings and other specials for closed-captioning purposes. In addition, the growing population will also inevitably bring about a growth in crime and trials, thereby also increasing demand for court reporters. In fact, employment opportunities for court reporters are projected to increase 18 percent during the 2008-18 decade, according to the BLS. This change will open up 3,900 new jobs in the profession, which is great news for those aspiring to join the field. The earnings for court reporters are an incentive to join the profession, too. Court reporters earned a median salary of $49,710 per year in May 2008, according to the latest information available from the BLS. However, the specific salary a reporter earns depends on his or her employer.