A Look at What Court Reporters Do

A career in court reporting is a highly specialized path. A court reporter serving San Jose is a trained professional who is responsible for converting every word spoken in a courtroom or deposition into written texts that can be read, searched, and archived. This verbatim transcript of proceedings serves as a complete record. Having a precise written copy of everything that transpires is the most effective way to safeguard the legal process and protect all parties’ rights. Read on to learn more about what different kinds of court reporters do.

Deposition Transcription

A deposition is a witness’s sworn out-of-court testimony that attorneys use to gather information about the opposing side’s case. By using the latest technology, some court reporters can give all parties real-time access to what is being said during a deposition. That means that attorneys and witnesses can avoid the painstaking process of trying to find a single date and time when all parties can meet. Attorneys then later use these deposition transcripts to prepare for trial.

Courtroom Recording

Court reporters can also work for the judicial system to prepare official transcripts to be used by attorneys, judges, and litigants. These court reporters have a front-row seat to all famous cases, including criminal trials, government corruption cases, and even multi-million dollar divorces. By ensuring that a completely accurate record of everything that happens in the courtroom is produced, a court reporter also preserves parties’ rights to appeal. Attorneys can search the written record to determine where errors occurred and ensure that their objections were properly recorded.

Freelance Work

Freelance reporters are often hired for their deposition, notary, and transcription services. Individuals and companies who need accurate court reporting services include attorneys, unions, and corporations who need complete and secure records of events. For example, arbitrations, the board of directors and stockholder meetings, and pretrial depositions often demand the written transcripts that only court reporters can provide. Court reporting companies also often provide document depository and reproduction services, so the complete record of any event is preserved forever.