The legal world is full of technical terms, and court reporting is no exception. Whether you are an attorney, paralegal, or just interested in the legal process, understanding key court reporting terms will help you feel more comfortable in the courtroom.
From deposition transcripts to real-time reporting, these terms are crucial for accuracy and efficiency in the courtroom.
At Sarasota Court Reporters, we provide top-notch court reporting services to legal professionals in Sarasota and beyond. With a team of experienced stenographers and state-of-the-art technology, we deliver precise and timely transcripts, real-time reporting, and professional legal video services.
Whether you need help with depositions, hearings, or trials, our experts will support your legal needs with accuracy and reliability.
Now, let’s get into some court reporting terms every legal professional should know!
General Court Reporting Terms
These terms are the ones you’ll almost always hear. We use them every day during remote and in-person proceedings, so it’s a great place to start.
- Deposition: A sworn statement taken before trial. It's usually taken with a court reporter present and often done remotely.
- Transcript: The formal written record of everything said during a court hearing. We produce transcripts accurately and seal them for use in court.
- Stenographer: That’s us. A stenographer is a skilled trained professional who uses a stenotype machine to capture every word spoken at a proceeding. It's one of the most recognized stenographer terms.
- Real-time Reporting: This is live transcription, with the word spoken appearing on a screen instantly. It's often used by attorneys who want to read testimony in real time.
- Certified Court Reporter (CCR): An individual who has passed state or national tests and is legally certified to produce official transcripts.
- Official Court Reporter: A reporter employed by the court system to handle in-court matters like hearings and trials.
- Freelance Court Reporter: Independent or agency-affiliated reporters (like many of us at Sarasota Court Reporters) who handle depositions, arbitrations, and meetings outside of court.
- Verbatim: Every word matters. We document each word verbatim, word for word—the way they're actually said—this is what we mean by verbatim record.
- Proceedings: Any formal legal event—such as a deposition, arbitration, or trial—where a record needs to be made.
- Exhibits: Supporting material such as documents or photographs used during a proceeding. We number and document them so they can be correctly referenced in the transcript.
Technology and Tools Used in Remote Court Reporting
Remote court reporting uses specialized tools that support clarity and accuracy, and we’ve taken the liberty of including them in this court reporter glossary.
- Stenotype Machine: Our primary tool of the trade. This unique keyboard allows us to capture entire phrases in shorthand much faster than regular typing.
- CAT Software (Computer-Aided Transcription): This software takes our shorthand and converts it into readable text, which we then proofread and finish up for the official transcript.
- Timestamps: Time markers in a transcript that help you find exactly when something was said. These are especially useful in lengthy proceedings.
- ASCII File: Unformatted copy of the transcript that can be imported, saved, or shared to case management systems.
- E-Transcript: A handy, electronic copy of the transcript that allows you to navigate, mark up, and search the text. It's a favorite of lawyers who appreciate convenience and interactivity.
Legal and Deposition-Related Terms
These are phrases you’ll hear frequently during remote depositions and other legal proceedings.
- Oath or Affirmation: The formal promise of the witness to tell the truth. It's administered before testimony, and yes—it's just as official when done remotely as it is in person.
- Swearing In: The act of giving that oath. As court reporters, we handle this step at the beginning of most proceedings.
- On the Record: Once this is declared, everything that's being said is being recorded and will be included in the transcript..
- Off the Record: Used to prevent official recording. Nothing important should be talked about here.
- Readback: Sometimes, attorneys or witnesses want to hear exactly what was just said. When that happens, we perform a readback directly from our notes.
- Errata Sheet: A correction sheet which is attached to the transcript. Witnesses use this for corrections of minor things upon reviewing their testimony.
- Parenthetical Notation: Our notes in the transcript that reflect actions, not speech—for example, "Witness nods" or "Laughter."
- Confidential Transcript: A transcript that is restricted for viewing by certain parties due to the sensitive nature of its content.
- Certified Transcript: Once reviewed, edited, and signed by us, a transcript becomes certified. This renders it accepted as being accurate and official.
- Arbitration: A legal dispute resolved outside of court. We frequently provide court reporting services during arbitration sessions as they often require a formal transcript.
- Videoconference Deposition: A deposition conducted through video conferencing. We swear in the witness, capture every word, and provide transcripts just as we would in person.
All of these fall under the umbrella of legal proceedings terminology, and they help keep the record—and the process—accurate and consistent.
Common Phrases We Use During Remote Proceedings
You may hear us say the following during a remote session. These are all part of maintaining clarity and keeping the record clean:“Please speak one at a time.”
“Can you repeat that for clarity?”
If something is unclear, we’ll ask for it again to ensure accuracy.“Off the record.”
Marks a pause in the official transcript.“Please state your full name for the record.”
We always begin with this during witness introductions.“Counsel, can you clarify your question?”
Sometimes a question needs rephrasing to make it recordable.“Would you like a rough draft or final transcript?”
We offer both options, depending on your timing and needs.Schedule Your Service with Sarasota Court Reporters
Understanding court reporting terminology isn’t just helpful, it’s essential, because knowing the terms we use can help the process move more smoothly while keeping you informed.
We at Sarasota Court Reporters are committed to making remote court reporting straightforward, easy and professional for everyone involved, with certified professionals, secure tools and the best service.
If you’re preparing for a remote deposition, arbitration or hearing, schedule your service with us today! We’re always ready to bring accuracy and clarity to your next proceeding, no matter where you are.
FAQ's
Yes. We at Sarasota Court Reporters have frequent experience working on proceedings conducted across states or even borders, depending on jurisdictional requirements. Familiarity with court reporting terminology across regions helps us maintain consistency and accuracy in every transcript.
We recommend you check your gear and connection beforehand, have your exhibits set up, and review the basics of court reporting terminology. When attorneys understand how we operate—and how we follow court reporting best practices—the deposition goes more smoothly for everyone involved.
Find a quiet, private space. Make sure your camera and microphone are working. Above all, pay attention to the court reporter’s instructions—especially when taking the oath. Understanding a few key terms from the legal transcription glossary can also help the witness stay engaged and follow along more easily.
Security is paramount. We use encrypted websites and access limitations to ensure that all documents and testimony remain private. Our transcription process is built on court reporting best practices to protect confidentiality at every step.
No, you don’t. An ordinary computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection is all you should need. If we do recommend otherwise for your setting, we will let you know in advance to keep the process running smoothly.
No, you don’t. An ordinary computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection is all you should need. If we do recommend otherwise for your setting, we will let you know in advance to keep the process running smoothly.
