WHAT IS COURT REPORTING?

   Court Reporting is the accurate verbatim transcription of the spoken word into written form. It is accomplished by professional reporters utilizing a stenotype computer. The computer keyboard contains twenty five keys, which are struck in combination, like musical chords. The combined keys represent phonetic sounds which represent words or entire phrases. Like music, Braille or sign language, it is an entirely different language, designed for the efficient and speedy recording of the spoken word.

   The court reporter's key strokes are retained on a computer disk for later translation or fed directly into a computer containing Computer Aided Transcription (CAT) software for realtime translation. Each reporter maintains an elaborate dictionary of the reporter's personal writing style. By applying this dictionary to the reporter's notes, the reporter's key strokes are translated into English. The reporter possessing the strongest vocabulary, cleanest writing style and most refined dictionary produces the most accurate and efficient transcript! Like concert pianists, the level of talent is immediately apparent.