Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a court of law? Perhaps you’ve also noticed the person studiously typing away on a strange-looking machine, surrounded by high-tech equipment? Such court reporters in Miami are a vital part of the team that makes the legal courts function. So, how do they actually do this?
What do Court Reporters in Miami Do?
In short, court reporters in Miami transcribe verbatim everything that’s said in court. They do this by leveraging today’s digital equipment whilst also taking shorthand notes. In fact, they can type up to 200 words per minute. To give you an idea of their speed, an average person types about 40 words per minute.
So, what’s the point of all this? Essentially, court reporters in Miami deliver an accurate transcript for attorneys to refer to when strategizing for the case or deposition. In some cases, the transcript also becomes an exhibit at a later date. That’s why it’s also critical for court reporters to ensure the right people get the transcripts at the right time without any special treatment for anyone.
Another aspect of their role is to support witnesses so that they know where to go or how to log in if it’s a remote deposition. Court reporters in Miami will work with them so that witnesses know to speak clearly during the deposition. Finally, court reporters often also swear in witnesses which can now be done remotely.
Court reporters in Miami are often referred to as Guardians of the Record. Any slight mistake in their transcripts could jeopardize a case. Reporters, therefore, ensure the following to ensure smooth proceedings:
- Uphold confidentiality
- Instill best practice processes
- Support logistics
Uphold confidentiality
It’s essential that court reporters are both professional and conscientious in their work. Breaking any confidentiality or privacy laws isn’t just unethical, it’s illegal. Moreover, it harms people’s lives that often depend on the outcome of depositions.
Instill best practice processes
As Guardians of the Record, court reporters ensure that all transcripts and other relevant documentation are safely stored for the right people to access. So, they work with the court clerks to honor best practice processes.
Support logistics
Court reporters in Miami work with attorneys, witnesses, and any other members of the court to ensure all proceedings operate effortlessly. That means they’ll set up remote conference rooms or book physical courtrooms along with any necessary equipment. Furthermore, they’ll do any checks to minimize any risk of breakdowns. Although, they always have their shorthand note-taking to fall back on if any digital recording equipment fails.
How do Court Reporters Deliver?
As you can imagine, cases and depositions are often run with tight deadlines. Everyone is under pressure and work needs to be turned around quickly and effectively. That’s why court reporters in Miami need to know how to prioritize and manage their work well. Moreover, digital equipment now also allows for real-time transcripts.
Most attorneys appreciate real-term transcripts because they can refer to them during proceedings and in some cases, write their notes in the margins through their cloud access. This allows them to update their strategies as needed.
Needless to say, court reporters in Miami go through specialist training that takes between 2 to 4 years, depending on their backgrounds. During this time, they learn to work with a stenograph machine and other digital recording equipment. Moreover, they become familiar with the medical, industry, and legal jargon necessary to allow them to type more effectively.
The digital equipment court reporters can use varies. Some prefer to use a steno mask which uses voice-to-text software to translate a reporter’s voice into a written document. Others connect their stenograph machine to a laptop so that their computer-aided transcription (CAT) software can convert their shorthand into readable words.
In terms of skills, you can expect court reporters in Miami to be both professional and detail-focused. They have a passion for the written word and enjoy driving for accuracy. Most importantly, they bring the following to the teams they work with:
- Prioritization
- Collaboration
- Assertiveness
Prioritization
Court reporters in Miami need to know how to manage their time. Transcripts are expected within 24 hours but often, attorneys need them sooner. That’s why reporters leverage digital equipment to transcribe that much faster.
Collaboration
It’s critical for court reporters to support attorneys so that everyone knows where to go for cases and depositions. Moreover, reporters need to align schedules and needs with an unbiased approach.
Assertiveness
Last but not least, when operating under high pressure, it’s common for court reporters to face special requests to receive transcript notes. In those cases, they need to be assertive to ensure that no one gets the transcripts before anyone else otherwise it could be an unfair advantage.
Parting Words on How Court Reporters in Miami Operate
As officers of the court and Guardians of the Record, court reporters in Miami have a critical role. They ensure accurate and speedy delivery of transcripts while ensuring logistics and documentation processes follow best practices.
Without reporters, attorneys couldn’t strategize properly and courts would come to a standstill as people rely on word of mouth. Instead, court reporters uphold justice and support a seamless legal operation.