Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
What is a Court Reporter and Simultaneous Captioner?
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners are skilled professionals who create accurate transcripts of spoken language in real time. They primarily work in legal settings, such as courts, and in various media environments for live broadcasts or events. Using specialized equipment like stenotype machines, they capture verbatim dialogue, including the nuances of speech, tone, and context, which are essential for legal proceedings and public accessibility. Their transcripts serve as official records in courts and are also used for closed captioning in television and online media, ensuring that audiences with hearing impairments can access live content. Court reporters must be adept at maintaining high levels of accuracy and speed while processing complex legal terminology and maintaining an impartial stance. Simultaneous captioners, on the other hand, focus on providing live captions for events such as conferences, sports, and seminars, utilizing their expertise to ensure that viewers receive accurate text representations of spoken words instantly. Both careers require extensive training, certification, and strong attention to detail, making them integral to enhancing communication and ensuring that spoken content is accessible to all.
Tasks
- Record verbatim proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies, committee meetings, and other proceedings, using computerized recording equipment, electronic stenograph machines, or stenomasks.
- Proofread transcripts for correct spelling of words.
- Ask speakers to clarify inaudible statements.
- Provide transcripts of proceedings upon request of judges, lawyers, or the public.
- Transcribe recorded proceedings in accordance with established formats.
Technology Skills
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Word processing software
- Total Eclipse
- SpeechCAT
- Microsoft Word
- VocEdit
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Data base user interface and query software
- Acclaim Legal Acclaim DepoManage
- Chase Software Solutions Court Reporting Software
- Courtpages
- OMTI ReporterBase
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Acculaw Court Reporters Billing Scheduling Job Management System ABSMS
- ReporterWorks
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Voice recognition software
- Courtroom Data Solutions Techlennium
- Dragon Professional
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Microphones
- Photocopiers
- Cassette players or recorders
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Stenotype machines
- Notebook computers
Knowledge
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Associate's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Record information from legal proceedings.
- Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Provide information to the general public.
- File documents or records.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35890.0 - $126440.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.