Have Court Reporters Been Replaced By Technology? By A Nutt At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

With the astounding leaps and bounds in technology, there have been many changes regarding traditional jobs. Some jobs are diminishing while others are thriving. The key to maintaining a career is to adapt to new technology. One career area that has embraced technology is Court Reporting.

A career as a court reporter provides a broad range of opportunities. The function of a court reporter is to record verbatim court proceedings, transcribe depositions, recording business meetings, provide real-time translation services for the deaf, and provide closed captioning services.

The use of technology has in many ways changed how court reporters perform their duties. Instead of letting the field diminish, court reporters have chosen to welcome the new technology. Although there have been many technological advances in speech recognition software, humans are needed to report the accuracy of the technology. Because of technology, court reporters are more connected to all areas of the judicial system. They can now report in real-time and are involved with video conferencing, internet communications, and encrypted e-mail services.

Real-time reporting involves displaying testimony in real-time on computer screens. Court reporters have the ability to record and translate testimony instantly and display it on computer screens during a trial. These real time transcripts can also be printed during a deposition. Final copies of transcripts have same day accessibility in such forms as disc, print, or online sharing.

Real-time reporting allows for more research capabilities. There is now software that can scan numerous documents and highlight key words and phrases to improve and enhance case research and preparation. Real-time recording reduces the amount of time it takes to get the correct information to the requester.

Interactive real-time reporting allows officials to link to their computer to testimonial text during testimony. Court reporters use a computer and a stenotype machine. The stenotype allows the reporter to utilize a method of shorthand by using word sounds to record the information. The computer uses software called computer-aided transcription (CAD) to translate the information in English. The information can then be edited, passed on to the appropriate official, and stored until requested.

Another technological advancement in court reporting is Communication Access Real-Time Translation or CART. It is primarily used for the deaf, which gives them real time access to what is taking place. Broadcast Captioning is also a thriving area for court reporters as they can now enter captions of live television programs for the deaf.

Another technological advancement court reporters are now utilizing is compressing transcripts, depositions, and videos into discs that can be shared with all of the appropriate judicial officials.

There is now a growing demand for court reporters. A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that court reporting job openings “will increase by 25% over the next several years.” When court reporters embrace technological advancements and incorporate them into their daily job duties, they become more efficient, faster, and thus more valuable to the legal process. As well, many non-legal fields are using the skills of court reporters.

There has been a significant increase in the demand for real-time closed-captioning reporters for the hearing impaired. This is a job suited for court reporters because they are trained and educated to translate word for word speech into text quickly and accurately. Court reporting is one career that has taken advantage of the changes in technology to ensure their field is one that is staying in demand.

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