What Makes Court Reporters Significant in Trials?

Reporter holding mic and taking notes

The Massachusetts Trial Court announced the elimination of the position “official court reporter” as of June 30 this year. This development is due to the installation of the system For The Record (FTR) in the state Trial Court. Other states, including California, have been considering doing the same thing.

Phoenixdepositionservies.com, comprised of experienced court reporters, says that court reporters take care of recording witness testimonies ahead of time. The courts consider these professionals as vital in legal proceedings. Here’s why.

What Exactly Do Court Reporters Do?

In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in America recorded 17,700 court reporters in the country.

Often seen and not heard, court reporters produce a verbatim reporting of court proceedings and make transcripts that serve as a reliable record.

Considered as very intelligent and highly skilled individuals, court reporters play a crucial role in any legal proceeding, whether it’s a trial in a courtroom or a deposition in a law firm. For them to qualify, they have to work hard in maintaining a 97.5 percent accuracy in their transcriptions.

It’s the job of court reporters to make a perfect record of the proceedings. They note the arguments and actions of those involved in the case, from the lawyers and the judge to the witnesses and bailiffs. They need to call attention to unrecognized or inaudible statements and ask for clarification to ensure accuracy.

How Do Court Reporters Aid in Resolving Legal Cases?

Court reporters vary, as well. There are independent court reporters well-versed in technologies that add significant value to the cases of their clients. Meanwhile, those who work with firms provide services to courts to use the most advanced technology for the sake of recording and transcribing.

In the long run, the most effective case presented to a judge and jury requires many resources. This is only the beginning of the trial, including the preparation and its culmination.

The court reporter helps a legal team manage costs and develop a compelling case. Opposing counsels need accurate court transcripts to cross-examine witnesses and allow them to make their case.

Court reporters are not likely to “disappear” from courtrooms. Their expertise matters to the justice system. Some courts may use digital systems, but they would still need court reporters to transcribe the recordings. So in spite of the modernization brought by technology, legal proceedings will need that human touch to ensure accuracy and reliability with every transcript.