FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions that we face on a daily basis. If you have a question you would like us to answer, feel free to email us at info@doylecourtreporters.com

• How fast can a Court Reporter Write?
• Does the machine write letters of the alphabet or shorthand outlines?
• What is Realtime?
• What is a scopist?
• Why is there a change of reporters in Criminal trials?
  

How fast can a Court Reporter write?

Court Reporters should qualify with speeds of up to 225 words per minute from college. However, if the material is technical and unfamiliar it can slow the reporter's speed down considerably. This is one of the reasons why reporters need to be briefed, as early as possible, as to the nature of the case. In the Registered Professional Reporters exam organised by the National Court Reporters Association of the U.S., testimony with a standardised word size is given at 225 words per minute of which 10 people from Doyle Court Reporters have passed.

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Does the machine write letters of the alphabet or shorthand outlines?

The Steno machine uses 17 standard letters from the alphabet. They are used in short combinations of code to represent words that are longer or indeed whole phrases. These combinations we call 'shorthand outlines'.

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What is Realtime?

Realtime is the process which allows the material being recorded to be translated immediately into English and appear on a computer screen whenever it is required. It is of great assistance to judges, barristers and solicitors allowing them to read a person's testimony virtually as it is being spoken. It also benefits the hearing-impaired who attend courts, meetings, conferences and discussion groups. This latter facility means that deaf people can take part in all proceedings. Other benefits include being able to recall evidence given five minutes or one hour previously on your laptop screen. This can then be compared with evidence just given.

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What is a scopist?

The scopist is another Court Reporter who, when providing REALTIME, reads the notes taken written down by the other reporter. They are all the time proofing, grammatically checking and correctly paginating the note in preparation for reading by counsel. Reporters working as a team like this will often work in tandem swapping the writing and scoping responsibilities.

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Why is there a change of reporters in Criminal trials?

Up until the present there has not been a requirement to provide realtime to the criminal courts. However, in cases of enormous gravity, it is important to judges that they receive a transcript of the day's proceedings that evening for review and notation. Two reporters, effectively leapfrogging each other, work an 'hour-on hour-off' basis in the courtroom. By doing so, they can use the hour-off to return to their office and get a start on transferring their note to transcript.

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