A court reporter, stenotype reporter or stenographer is a person whose occupation is to transcribe spoken or recorded speech into written form, typically using stenography equipment to produce official transcripts of court hearings, depositions and other official proceedings. Court reporters use either a stenomask or a shorthand system such as stenotype in order to keep up with the flow of speech so that they do not miss any words. The court reporter is often also a notary public who is authorized to administer oaths to witnesses, and who certifies that her or his transcript of the proceedings is a verbatim account of what was said.

Training

---

It typically takes 36 months or longer to learn the basic skills to become a court reporter. Most students do not achieve the required speed, and therefore, do not graduate. Candidates usually attend specialist on-ground training schools.

More on [ Court reporter ]

NPR Topics: Legal Affairs

Calif. Church Provides Sanctuary To Immigrant
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:30:00 -0400
A small church north of Los Angeles became a sanctuary nearly a year ago for a female, illegal immigrant facing deportation. The United Church of Christ in Simi Valley is attracting anti-illegal immigration demonstrators angry that the church is sheltering the woman.
U.S. Immigration Agency And Deportation
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0400
Some 600 illegal immigrants were arrested in a major federal raid at a Mississippi manufacturing plant recently. The Bush Administration charged only eight of the immigrants criminally and sent the rest for civil deportation proceedings. Host Liane Hansen speaks to NPR's Jennifer Ludden to find out if this signals a shift in administration policy.
Possible Immigration Changes
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0400
While the presidential candidates will undoubtedly discuss immigration during the next two months, the real battle over policy may come on state ballots. Here, an overview of some of the measures being considered.

Subscribe to Law RSS feed