When people think of court proceedings, the first thing that comes to mind is drama, grandiosity, and theatrics. However, behind the scenes, there is someone who captures every word uttered and every movement made – the verbatim court reporter.
A verbatim court reporter is responsible for creating an easily readable transcript of everything that happens in court. They achieve this by recording everything said by witnesses, lawyers, and judges, and creating a written record of the trial. Verbatim court reporting isn’t easy; it requires training and specialized shorthand skills.
Court reporters play an essential role in creating a lasting record for future use. This transcript ensures that the court system can refer back to the proceedings during future appeals or for historical records. It can also play an important part in settling cases, as the transcript can be used to impeach the credibility of a witness, or highlight parallel discussions between parties.
Verbatim court reporting is not limited to the courtroom alone. These reporters are used everywhere from depositions, arbitrations, hearings, and meetings. They can provide vital transcripts that will be used for legal purposes, and can even help individuals and organizations.
Verbatim court reporting is an essential part of the legal system. Without these court reporters, legal proceedings would be a lot more challenging to navigate, and transparency within the legal process would be lost. So, the next time you step inside a courtroom or legal proceeding, remember the important role that verbatim court reporters have in the legal system.