Transcription & Court Reporting Glossary

The clarity and volume of an audio file, which can impact the accuracy and efficiency of transcription.

An audio file in the context of legal proceedings is a digital or analog recording that captures sound, including spoken words, conversations, testimonies, and ambient noises, relevant to a case. These files can originate from various sources, such as recorded depositions, interviews, surveillance tapes, voicemails, and courtroom proceedings. In the digital age, audio files are

A private discussion between the judge and attorneys during a trial, usually held at the judge’s bench.

Unwanted sounds in an audio or video file that can make transcription difficult.

A Certified CART Provider (CCP) is a professional who has achieved certification in Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services. This certification, often granted by nationally recognized bodies such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), signifies expertise in providing real-time transcription services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. CART providers transcribe spoken words into text

Also offered by the NCRA, the CRR certification is designed for court reporters who specialize in real-time reporting. It requires passing a realtime skills exam that tests the ability to produce an accurate, simultaneous transcript during a live proceeding.

Offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI), the CMT certification is designed for medical transcriptionists with at least two years of experience. It requires passing a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and transcription best practices.

Captioning, in the context of transcription, involves converting the spoken word into written text that appears on screen, providing accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as enhancing understanding for audiences in noisy environments or where the language spoken is not the audience’s first language. This transcription process can be applied to

Is the process of transcribing spoken words and sounds into text format in real-time, which is then displayed on a screen for viewers to read. This service is often used to provide access to legal proceedings for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring that they can fully understand and participate in the

A transcript that has been reviewed and approved by a court reporter, verifying its accuracy and completeness.

The final presentation by an attorney at the end of a trial, summarizing their case and attempting to persuade the jury.

A Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) is a professional who has passed a state or nationally recognized certification exam, demonstrating proficiency in shorthand reporting. CSRs are trained to capture, transcribe, and provide accurate records of legal proceedings, meetings, and other events where detailed documentation is required. This certification ensures a high standard of accuracy, ethics, and

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is a transcription service that converts spoken words into instant text using a stenotype machine, computer, and specialized software. CART services provide immediate, verbatim translation of speech into text for the benefit of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring accessibility in various settings such as classrooms, workplaces,

A court reporter, also known as a stenographer or court stenographer, is a professional responsible for transcribing spoken or recorded speech into written form, using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or voice writing equipment. They play a critical role in legal proceedings by ensuring that every word spoken during a trial, deposition, or other legal gatherings

Text that appears on a video screen to provide a transcription of the audio, including descriptions of non-verbal sounds, for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A transcription style that omits filler words and repetitive phrases but retains the original speech pattern and grammar.

A contract between parties to maintain the confidentiality of shared information, often used in the transcription industry to protect sensitive client information.

A pre-trial process during which witnesses provide testimony under oath, usually in the presence of attorneys and a court reporter.

The process of speaking words or phrases to be transcribed by a transcriptionist or speech recognition software.

A transcript that is produced and delivered within a shorter timeframe than usual, often at an additional cost.

An Errata Sheet in the context of legal depositions is a document that allows witnesses to make corrections to their deposition transcript. It is governed by Rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which outlines the procedure for deposition corrections. This sheet is a critical part of the deposition process, enabling the correction

A person with specialized knowledge or experience in a particular field, who provides testimony in a legal proceeding.

A document or object presented as evidence during a legal proceeding, which may be referenced in the transcript.

The process of challenging the credibility of a witness or their testimony during a legal proceeding.

Parts of the audio or video file that are difficult or impossible to hear and transcribe.

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case, based on geographic location or subject matter.

Legal videography involves the use of video technology to record legal proceedings, depositions, signing of legal documents, and the creation of evidence for trials. This visual documentation provides a more dynamic and detailed record than written transcripts alone, capturing not just the spoken word but also the non-verbal communication of participants. Certification One notable certification

Using the correct title when addressing someone shows respect and professionalism—but with options like Ms., Mrs., and Miss, it can be confusing to know which one is appropriate. This guide will help you understand the differences between these titles and how to use them correctly in both written and spoken communication. What’s the Difference Between

A public official who verifies the identity of individuals signing documents and administers oaths, often used during legal proceedings.

Non-verbatim transcription, in the context of legal proceedings, transcripts, or audio recordings, refers to the practice of transcribing spoken words not word-for-word but in a way that conveys the essence or meaning of what was said, omitting filler words, false starts, repetitions, and non-essential information. This approach focuses on capturing the substantive content of the

The initial presentation by an attorney at the beginning of a trial, outlining their case and evidence.

A statement made by an attorney during a legal proceeding to express disagreement with a question or statement, which is recorded in the transcript.

When two or more speakers talk at the same time, making it challenging to transcribe each speaker’s words accurately.

A transcript that represents the sounds of speech using specialized symbols, often used in linguistics and language studies.

Proofreading is the process of reviewing text to detect and correct typographical errors, grammar, spelling, and formatting inconsistencies before publication or submission. While closely associated with editing, proofreading typically represents the final stage of the review process to ensure the text is polished and error-free. Differences Between Editors, Proofreaders, and Scopists Editors Editors focus on

A Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) is a certification for court reporters that signifies a high level of proficiency in stenographic reporting. The certification, granted by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), requires passing a series of examinations that test skills in speed and accuracy, transcription, reporting practices, and knowledge of legal and court terminology. RPRs

A Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) is a professional who has achieved certification through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) or a similar accrediting body. RMTs specialize in transcribing audio recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals into written text for patient records, diagnostic notes, and other medical documentation. Roles and Responsibilities Why They’re

Offered by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT), the RPT certification requires passing a written knowledge exam and a practical skills exam.

An unedited, preliminary version of a transcript, typically provided soon after a legal proceeding for review and corrections.

The process of transcribing spoken words as they are spoken, allowing for an immediate, verbatim transcript.

A brief, off-the-record discussion between the judge and attorneys during a trial, often held at the judge’s bench.

Sworn testimony refers to a statement or declaration made by a witness under oath in a legal setting, affirming that the information provided is true to the best of the witness’s knowledge. The oath or affirmation is a legal obligation to tell the truth, making the witness legally accountable for the accuracy of their testimony.

A stenotype machine, commonly referred to as a stenograph machine, is a specialized keyboard-like device used by court reporters and captioners to transcribe spoken words into shorthand at speeds much faster than traditional typing. It allows for the real-time recording of speeches, legal proceedings, meetings, and live broadcasts. Functionality How They Work Examples of Shorthand

Stenography, derived from the Greek words “steno” (narrow) and “graphy” (writing), refers to the practice of writing in shorthand. It involves the use of abbreviated symbols or codes to rapidly record spoken words. Modern stenography is essential in capturing verbatim speech for producing official transcripts of court proceedings, speeches, and other events where real-time or

Text displayed on a video screen that translates or transcribes the spoken words, usually for accessibility or language purposes.

Transcripts that are time-coded to align with the corresponding audio or video file.

The process of differentiating between speakers in a conversation and noting who is speaking in the transcript.

Technology that converts spoken language into written text.

The written record of spoken words and events during legal proceedings, created by a court reporter.

The cost per unit of transcription, usually calculated per minute or per word.

The specific style and structure used for a transcript, which may vary depending on the industry or client preferences.

The process of adding timestamps to a transcript to indicate when specific content occurs in the audio or video file.

A person who transcribes audio or video content into written text.

Computer programs designed to aid in the transcription process, such as voice recognition or playback control.

Turnaround time (TAT) refers to the duration from when a legal document, audio file, or transcription project is submitted for processing to the moment it is completed and returned to the client. In legal and transcription contexts, TAT is crucial as it impacts case timelines, client satisfaction, and overall efficiency of legal proceedings or document

A timestamp is a sequence of characters or encoded information identifying when a certain event occurred, usually giving date and time of day, sometimes accurate to a small fraction of a second. In the context of legal proceedings, timestamps are crucial for providing a precise chronological record of when documents were created, modified, received, or

“Voir dire” is a legal term derived from the French language, meaning “to speak the truth.” It refers to the process used in court to select a fair and impartial jury for a trial. During voir dire, potential jurors are questioned by both the defense and prosecution (and sometimes the judge) to determine if they

Verbatim, from the Latin word for “word for word,” refers to the exact replication of spoken words in written form. In legal contexts, verbatim transcription is the process of converting every word spoken during legal proceedings, meetings, depositions, or interviews into a precise text document. Transcribing every word, including filler words (like “uh” or “um”)

The total number of words in a transcript.