The job of court reporting is very worthwhile. Someone is always desired to document what goes on during a trial. This can be done with what is called short hand so nothing is missed when the reporter is typing. Voice recording is the other type of documenting and this is when everything that is said from the witnesses, the judge and the attorneys is recorded at during the proceedings.
The task of being a court reporter is not an easy one. He or she will be getting a two year degree before even having enough training. This degree is the same as any other degree. The same basic classes of English, science, history and math will still be required for the education of the student.
Being successful at voice recognition after learning how to do it will be a necessary ability for the students of court reporting. The voice writing is so very technical that 3-4 hours are needed to be spent on completing homework a night. To be successful in using the short hand the candidate will need to go to school for two to four years at least to know enough about the craft.
Experience under an apprentice is needed before a court reporter is given a job, even with a degree. Practice of the skills they have learned is still necessary, even after training with an apprentice. They will need to improve their skills by attending classes.
These court reporters are going to need to be very fast typists. There are two different associations that require their members to type over 200 words per minute. One organization requires them to type 225 words per minute while the other needs to type 250. The one with the higher words requires its members to record verbatim what is said in the courtroom.
Reporting as as freelance is what many have chosen to do. There is a lot of work that is done outside of the courtroom because of the abilities they have. These trancriptionists can type for services at churches or broadcasts. They are willing to help the deaf by typing what is said on the TV for the networks. Journalism is a draw for these people as well due to the skill set they possess. Lots of different things need both fast typing and great listening ability.
An annual salary of thirty to sixty thousand is possible for a court reporter. More money can be made by a recent program that has been made for these trancriptionists. Witnesses can purchase the work of the reporter for more research should be needed. This will provide residual income for typists. They can continue to make money even after they are done with a case.
Court reporting is a very necessary profession. It allows the court proceedings to be recorded so they can be accessed later. It makes the court system flow smoothly because of the organization they bring to the legal system. It would not be as efficient as it is now without these reporters. This is certainly a job that will remain around for the long haul.
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