In recent years, live-streaming technology has revolutionized the way we access and consume information. Increasingly, attorneys & litigators are turning to digital tools such as live-streaming to keep up with developing court cases in real time — providing them unprecedented transparency during their practice. But how beneficial is this new trend? In this blog post, we will explore the different pros and cons of live-streaming court proceedings so that you can make informed decisions on whether or not live streaming is right for your cases.

Background on Live Streaming Court Proceedings

The rise of live-streaming court proceedings represents a significant development in the ever-evolving digital age, allowing for greater public access to the judicial process. This modern approach to transparency within the legal system can be traced back to the late 20th century when the first televised trials sparked interest and debate over the impact of media exposure on the fairness of trials. As technological advancements continued to progress, the calls for increased access to court proceedings grew louder, eventually leading to the advent of live streaming in courts around the world. Today, live-streaming court proceedings is viewed as an essential tool for promoting open justice and fostering public trust in the legal system. With streaming platforms making it possible for millions of viewers to watch high-profile trials unfold in real-time, this innovation has reshaped the way society engages with and understands the workings of the judiciary.

Advantages of Live Streaming Court Proceedings

The advantages of live-streaming court proceedings are manifold, bringing unprecedented transparency and access to the judicial process. A professionally developed live stream allows individuals from all walks of life to witness the intricacies of courtroom proceedings without the need to be physically present, making the justice system more accessible to the general public. This increased accessibility not only educates citizens about the inner workings of the legal system but also helps to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, as transparency is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Furthermore, live streaming alleviates the risk of misinformation in cases that spark national or international interest by providing an accurate and unbiased account of the events that unfold in the courtroom. Ultimately, embracing the technology of live-streaming court proceedings serves to strengthen trust between the justice system and the communities it serves.

Improves access to justice

The enhancement of access to justice is a crucial element in fostering a fair and equitable society. By reducing the barriers to legal assistance, we empower individuals to seek remedies for their grievances, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to assert their rights and receive the protection they deserve under the law. An essential aspect of achieving this improved access to justice is to address the systemic issues that often hinder marginalized communities from obtaining adequate legal representation. By breaking down these barriers, providing legal education and resources, and embracing innovative technological solutions to streamline the process, we improve the judicial system’s overall efficacy and engender trust in its ability to deliver justice impartially and fairly.

Increases transparency and public awareness

The implementation of increased transparency and public awareness initiatives has the potential to revolutionize our society in numerous ways. By fostering a culture of openness, these efforts empower citizens to be more involved and informed and promote accountability in organizations, institutions, and government entities. The call for transparency has grown stronger as our world continues to become more interconnected through advancements in technology and digital communications. More than ever, it is crucial for stakeholders to embrace and adapt to this shift in public expectation, as it holds the promise of cultivating stronger relationships based on trust, reducing instances of corruption or misconduct, and ultimately contributing to the overall betterment of society.

Allows remote participation

In today’s rapidly advancing technological era, remote participation has become crucial to conducting business and educational activities. This remarkable facility caters to the diverse needs of individuals and organizations by fostering greater flexibility, reducing travel costs, and promoting a more inclusive working culture. As boundaries diminish and communities connect globally, remote participation enables individuals to collaborate effectively and efficiently on projects, meetings, and educational endeavors, irrespective of their physical location. Consequently, the professional sphere has evolved dramatically with increasing companies embracing diverse talent pools and providing employees the opportunity to work from the comfort of their homes or while traveling. Remote participation epitomizes globalization’s essence by bringing people closer and accelerating worldwide progress.

Disadvantages of Live Streaming Court Proceedings

As modern technology advances and the demand for transparency in the judicial system grows, live-streaming court proceedings become increasingly popular. However, inherent disadvantages come with this level of public access to sensitive legal matters. One major concern is the potential for the media and the public to make premature judgments based on snippets of information, which might negatively affect the fairness of the proceeding. Moreover, witnesses and jurors could be unduly influenced or intimidated by the knowledge that their testimonies are being broadcasted in real-time, potentially impacting the integrity of the trial. The exposure of confidential information and the infringement on the privacy rights of the involved parties also pose significant risks in live-streaming court proceedings. Additionally, the potential for sensationalism and constant public scrutiny may lead to the trivialization of serious legal issues, thus undermining the gravity of the entire judicial process. Ultimately, the disadvantages of live-streaming court proceedings warrant a cautious approach and a thorough determination of the costs and benefits.

Potential privacy violations

Live streaming a court trial has the potential to violate the privacy of all involved in the case. This includes witnesses, lawyers, and judicial personnel. Even if participants’ images are blurred out or their names are withheld, their identities are still vulnerable to public exposure, and they can be identified by voice or other factors. Additionally, due to advancements in facial recognition technology, the identity of those involved can be even easier to figure out. This presents a major risk when it comes to live-streaming court trials and must be taken into consideration before implementing this reform.

Risk of influencing the jury or outcome of the trial 

The risk of influencing the jury or outcome of the trial is an essential consideration for every legal professional involved in the litigation process. Without a strong awareness of the potential implications of one’s words and actions, it can be all too easy to inadvertently introduce bias into the courtroom, which may significantly impact the fairness of the trial’s outcome. Therefore, it is crucial for lawyers, judges, and other professionals to exercise great caution when presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making closing arguments to ensure that the jury is not unduly influenced. Furthermore, the effectiveness of safeguards such as jury instructions and sequestration of jurors must be consistently evaluated to minimize the risk of improper persuasion. Our justice system relies on the integrity of these procedures so that each case can be decided objectively, ultimately promoting equitable outcomes for all parties involved.

Technological issues and cost implications

As we continue to embrace the digital era, an increasing number of organizations face the challenge of navigating complex technological issues and financial implications. Adapting to evolving technologies demands careful consideration of how these investments impact company performance, cybersecurity measures, and overall budgetary constraints. By approaching these concerns with a strategic framework, organizations can make informed decisions to ensure the optimal incorporation of technology in their operations while simultaneously minimizing potential risks and costs. Proactive planning and execution and close collaboration between cross-functional teams are indispensable to managing technological transitions while fostering sustainable growth and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Conclusions – Is Live Streaming Worth the Cost & Risk Involved in Implementation

The implementation of live streaming raises the challenging question of whether the benefits outweigh the costs and risks associated with this technology. While live streaming offers businesses a dynamic way to connect with their audiences in real-time, its high costs and potential risks can be prohibitive for some. Therefore, it is vital for organizations to carefully consider their objectives and resources before jumping into live streaming. When used strategically and safeguarded properly, live streaming can yield significant advantages, such as increased engagement, brand awareness, and customer loyalty. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and organizations must weigh the long-term impact of this investment on their business goals and sustainability. Ultimately, the effectiveness of live streaming rests on a company’s ability to manage the risks prudently and judiciously capitalize on the opportunities it offers.

In conclusion, we must weigh live-streaming court proceedings’ potential advantages and disadvantages. Live streaming is a powerful tool to increase justice access and transparency. Still, it must be understood that risks are involved, such as potential privacy violations and technological issues. In addition, the cost implications of implementing and maintaining live-streaming solutions must also be considered. However, despite the challenges associated with live-streaming court proceedings, it is generally worth the investment in terms of improving public awareness, providing remote access for stakeholders, and ultimately creating a more equitable justice system. We hope that through continued study of this issue and the development of new technologies, we can ensure that those involved in the legal system benefit from advances in legal technology while also maintaining their right to privacy.

Are you in need of the services of a professional court reporting firm in New Jersey? If you do, contact us today!

Court reporting is arguably one of the most important careers in the legal industry. Court reporters are responsible for producing accurate, secure, and complete transcripts of depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings. This makes them pretty much indispensable players in the legal process. 

However, court reporting is not for everyone like any other profession. To be a good court reporter, you not only require a unique set of skills but also need to have sufficient interest in the field. Most people are typically drawn to this profession mainly because of the many rewards and opportunities for growth and career development. However, if you’re considering venturing into this line of work, it’s essential to assess whether you have what it takes to succeed carefully. 

Court reporting might be a great career path for you if you enjoy working in an office setting or are fascinated by court proceedings. Likewise, you may find this profession a good fit if you yearn to work in a meaningful profession, have attention to detail, and are generally responsible. After all, in the role of a court reporter, you’ll need to create accurate transcripts of legal proceedings that have far-reaching consequences for many people. For this reason, you need to treat your work with the seriousness it deserves. 

The ability to type fast without any errors is also crucial in court reporting, albeit it is a skill many court reporters develop over time. Many experienced court reporters can write down up to 200 words of dictation per minute without any errors. But, you shouldn’t feel disheartened if your typing speed is not at this level. As long as you can type faster than the average human (over 60 words per minute), you’ll have a fairly good start in this profession. 

Proper education and certification are other vital requirements to consider when assessing your suitability for a court reporting career. Unlike many career fields that are becoming obsolete due to the increasing adoption of technology, court reporting is still largely dependent on manual labor and skill, which means its demand will only grow. 

It is estimated that there will be as many as 5,500 court reporting job openings in America alone in the coming few years. Moreover, this trend is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. This makes court reporting a great profession to pursue since you only need two years of training and certification to get started, ultimately saving you lots of time and student loans that you would otherwise need when pursuing a regular degree. 

Best of all, a career in court reporting guarantees you a high starting salary of at least $40,000. This means it won’t take long to recoup the money you invested in training and begin living comfortably. 

These days, court reporters are not only able to secure government jobs but also lend their services to other areas. With so many job opportunities in this field, you should probably consider a career in court reporting if you’re reliable, committed, have attention to detail, and are passionate about the legal industry.

Are you seeking a certified court reporter in New Jersey? If so, contact us today!

In the courtroom, and even in movies portraying legal dramas, most of the attention and focus is given to the attorneys, judges, juries, and the parties in the case. Rarely, if ever, does the wider audience pay attention to the folks seated in the background, furiously typing on seemingly old-fashioned typewriters. That, unfortunately, is the place of court reporting in today’s world – an essential yet culturally irrelevant part of the justice system.

Yet, court reporters have always been, and will always be, as crucial to court proceedings as every other party, including the attorneys and judges. Without the transcripts produced by court reporters, the wheels of justice will inevitably break down. 

The Magic Touch of Court Reporters

Even as many courts integrate new technology into their procedures, the one profession that is not likely to be affected by the digital shift is court reporting. 

Court reporters are in many ways more reliable than available technology, especially when it comes to detecting mistakes and fixing them in good time. They are rigorously trained to make little to no errors in their work and will not break down (like machines do) or generate poor-quality transcripts due to “software glitches.”

Remember, courts need accurate transcripts not only for easier reference in the future but also to serve as evidence if the need arises. While AI is catching up fast, it is still not a match for seasoned reporters. In particular, recording devices cannot seek clarifications from speakers when they fail to discern certain words or phrases. Therefore, they are bound to produce transcripts full of holes and lack flow. In contrast, human reporters can speak up and request speakers to repeat certain words for clarity.

As such, the transcripts produced by court reporters are, in most cases, accepted by all parties as to the official run-down of proceedings and are attached to the given case’s files and quoted in media reports. Without these transcripts, litigating parties would have endless conflicts about who said what in the last court session. 

Job Security

If you were thinking of being a court reporter, you would probably be pleased to know that it is one of the few jobs that is not threatened by technological advances. However, the need for accurate and sensible court transcriptions is not going away anytime soon, and from the look of things, tech is not advancing fast enough to take over.

Even where digital recorders are used, human reporters are still needed to proofread and edit the generated transcripts. Technology is a work aid, not a rival, for the average court reporter. 

Notably, how long you remain employed as a court reporter is, for the most part, up to you. Reporters who consistently produce high-quality transcripts and continually look for ways to improve their skills and acquire new ones will always be in demand. Lastly, discipline and good communication skills are also invaluable to the trade and will help ensure you remain professional at work.

Are you in need of a certified court reporting company in New Jersey? Contact us today.

Unless you work in the legal system, you may not be very familiar with what being a court reporter entails. Sure, you might have a basic idea of what they do, but the nitty-gritty of their job description may not be entirely apparent to you. 

However, for those who work in the legal industry, court reporting is an invaluable job, without which legal processes would be highly tedious and impenetrable. In most instances, a certified court reporter is a prerequisite for the case to begin. Even in cases where audio and video recordings are admissible, a judge might still select a court reporter to make a concise and accurate transcription of proceedings. 

Here are why court reporters are so crucial to the legal industry.

They Provide Accurate Transcriptions Of Court Proceedings

Typically, court reporters receive extensive training in various disciplines, including courtroom processes, legal jargon, and medical terminology. This allows them to be more prepared to capture everything said and done in court. They also learn to use a steno machine, which requires them to type at least 225 words per minute.

The transcript is often written after the record has been translated. This is then filed with the court clerk and forms part of the official record of the case file. It can be referred to in court throughout the case, with attorneys engaged having the option of requesting copies to examine the proceedings.

Their Presence Enhances The Courtroom Atmosphere

While the primary duty of court reporters is to produce transcriptions, this isn’t the only thing that makes them so invaluable at court hearings. 

The sheer presence and acute awareness of a court reporter signal everyone in the courtroom that any statements are translated into official evidence, which can be examined and reviewed at any moment. 

They constantly jot down everything said and done when the court is in session and often speak up to seek clarification if a part of a statement is missed or not heard. 

They can also be asked to read back statements made at particular points during the proceedings. 

They Have No Technological Replacement

Presently, it is not possible to replace court reporters with technology without sacrificing the kind of quality and accuracy required in the legal field.  

Although there is a need to cut costs by onboarding technological devices in the legal system, the accuracy and dependability of these technologies may not be guaranteed. 

For this reason, court reporters are not likely to be replaced by machines any time soon. Consequently, court reporting will continue to be a great career to pursue and work in for the coming decades as demand rises. 

Bottom line: 

While court reporting is a job that is often shrouded in mystery, it is a richly rewarding career that is vital to the legal system. 

Not only do court reporters prepare accurate transcriptions for record and reference, but their presence greatly enhances the overall courtroom atmosphere.

Do you know the role of a professional court reporter? The services of a real-time court reporter always come in handy to lawyers and attorneys during depositions. They play a key role in ensuring that witness testimonies are clear and accurate. Stenographers transcribe and translate what is being said and done to ensure that they produce an accurate account of events. This brings us to the big question – when should you use the services of a court reporter?

Working with a professional court reporter might seem like a good idea. In any case, the reporter knows the do’s and don’ts and the machinations involved in court proceedings. Before pursuing any lawsuit, you should meet up with a court reporter or a reporting firm so you can have all the software programs that you need to load into your computer. These programs may include Case Notebook and Case Map.

If this is your first encounter with a court reporter, the initial meeting will help you solve any connectivity challenges that might arise, especially if you are using a personal computer. Obviously, you do not want to face any issues during a deposition or a hearing. One of the best ways to avoid such problems is to resolve them before they escalate. Ask the reporter to bring all the software programs and drivers you need if you don’t have the proper software on your device.

The reporter or reporting firm will provide a transcript, and that’s the point of enlisting their services in the first place. With this in mind, you should make sure they have everything they need to deliver an accurate report.

You should not worry about the grammar or any typos in the document. Court reporters write notes using phonetics, meaning errors might arise here or there. However, these typos or grammatical errors won’t appear in the final document. The stenographer will review, edit and correct the document before presenting it to the attorney.

Another benefit of working with a professional court reporter is that they are able to ask for clarification in case they missed a crucial point. The skill and accuracy level a reporter brings to court cannot be matched. The stenographer can ask the witness to repeat their statement in order to capture the correct information on record. They also have adequate experience to speak up if they require the correct wording or sentence.

Before presenting the final transcript, a reporter will usually send you a rough draft that you can review and make notes accordingly. However, not all reporting firms offer this service so be sure to request it specifically especially if you intend to work with a real-time reporter.

Make sure you check the certification of a reporter before working with one. Most reporters have CCRR and CRR certifications to show their competence and proficiency in reporting. To obtain any of these certificates, the reporter has to undergo various speed and translation tests.

If you are an attorney and you are yet to try the services of a professional court reporter, then it is high time you gave it a second thought. Working with a real-time reporter has so many benefits and thrilling results.

Times have changed, and even the most stable enterprises have found themselves being wiped out by constant changes in technology. Court reporting is not an exemption. 

Few elements may replace the value of certified court reporters except robots and machines. Holding incomparable skills, and expertise, these professionals are uncelebrated champions of the judiciary.

Unlike other areas of proficiencies, the significance of human touch in court proceedings can’t easily be replaced. There is no tech advancement that is ever going to exceed the human ear.

It may reach a point where court reporting can be improved, or complemented by technology. Either way, there will never reach a point where certified court reporters will be replaced by machines because they won’t be able to provide services that correspond to the requirements of accurate transcription.

Well, it is true that automated machines are now part of the human world more than ever. We hear them when we are passing toll booths, or when we use the ATMs; thanking, and telling us to come again soon. 

However, these voice recordings and other significant tech does not have what it takes to replace human reporters. Here are some reasons to support this claim:

Human confidentiality

Humans cannot be hacked as it happens with machines sometimes. However, there are certain instances where a reporter could get compromised, and confide confidential information to others. 

The majority of reporters working in courts still have an understanding of what is needed of them, since they choose to honor the oath they took to keep all details they hear, or record, confidential.

However, with machines, or voice technology, it is possible that they can be hacked, and all confidential information exposed. This is because, sometimes machines require maintenance such as software updates, or hardware configurations. In some cases, these services are rendered by more than one person.

Glitches

Machines or robots can have glitches since they operate on central processing units (CPU) or the internet, which may result in glitches due to the system calibration, or other factors. Technology is never accurate.  They can backfire, or break down, costing a lot of money to fix, and this may delay all the processes in court. 

This is one good reason human reporters are highly beneficial in courtrooms. Unlike machines, or robots, which may sometimes have glitches, humans slow down only when they get sick, and when they do, they are still able to request permission to address their distress and resume their roles.

Availability of Transcripts

Machines are programmed in a way that they will be able to provide transcripts in any given format. Likewise, human reporters are also required to produce transcripts in various formats, which they always do.

In conclusion, machines can think in possibilities, and utilize learning prototypes to bring smart decisions. However, they do not have the wisdom needed to clarify decisions from all perspectives and make wise choices. 

On the other hand, people have wisdom, and they can think outside the box to solve an issue. Therefore, it is safe to say that it will never reach a point where robots will replace certified court reporters.

You may already be a certified court reporter or aspiring to be one.  Either way, you probably know that employers hate tardiness and prefer having employees who go to work on time.

To keep your job and advance your career, you need to ensure you always get to work early. Persistent lateness portrays a bad image about you, and you may end up being sacked.  

While every profession requires that you get to work on time, punctuality in the court reporting field is slightly different. Being punctual as a court reporter means getting to your work stations well before the scheduled time, usually between 10-20 minutes earlier. While getting to court at the exact time may be possible, it’s better to tread on a fine line and not risk being late even by a minute.

As a  court reporter, when you report late to your work station, you may impede the smooth running of the court activities. For instance, a deposition may be held up if everyone but the court reporter arrives early. As such, most court reporters ensure they are at their assigned locations between 15 to 30 minutes before their scheduled time.

A court reporter’s tardiness may force other depositions to wait longer than anticipated. Such behavior not only evokes a dismissive attitude towards the reporter but may also force an attorney to rush the proceedings to catch up with the lost time.

At times, court reporters have to travel to places they are unfamiliar with. Getting to these places may prove to be a hurdle.  You are therefore advised to check out the details about the place in advance and make travel arrangements as soon as possible.

While checking out google maps for directions may be helpful, taking an excursion journey to the location may be more effective. The excursion will enable you to familiarize yourself with the route. You will therefore be able to determine how long the journey will take. Furthermore, you will also know the traffic situation of the place and any other factors that may hinder your journey such as detours or roadblocks. With this information, you will probably be able to make it to your work station in good time. 

On the D day, you should set out to your journey early to cater for any inconvenience that may pop up in your journey. For instance, in case you have a flat tire, it could eat up approximately 30 minutes of your time. Also, make sure you factor in other aspects like unfavorable weather conditions that may affect your journey. The above tips ensure that you get to your intended destination early so that all court activities can run smoothly. 

Getting to your assigned location in time can land you more jobs. Furthermore, getting to all depositions and court hearings on time portrays that you are diligent, respectful, and committed to your work. With such exemplary characters, the demand for your services is bound to increase. 

Technology has taken every sector, including the justice system, by storm. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to find computers and other technological devices doing the work of a certified court reporter. If you are currently working as a stenographer, you may have noticed these devices popping up in courtrooms across the country.

One of the reasons for these changes is to cut down on costs. As you probably know, hiring a real-time court reporter costs much more than using a machine in the courtroom. However, each side has its upsides and downsides., and the lack of dependence on technological devices is too telling. 

Court reporters remain among the most important part of the justice system. Even with the mini-evolution taking effect in our courtrooms, opportunities for court reporters remain intact. 

So, if you are considering following this career path or you are already in it, you should rest assured your job will not be replaced by machines anytime soon.

As much as technology is beneficial in today’s world, it may not be time for the court system to make a move. Although machines can be accurate with quality audio and video recordings, they are not foolproof. Nothing beats the precision and consistency of a real-life court reporter or stenographer.

Unlike a computer, a certified court reporter is able to clarify information and record it in the right context. In any case, stenographers are highly trained to do their jobs with little to no mistakes. They are taught to be consistent when recording and delivering court reports.

Professional stenographers and court reporters have been around since time immemorial. They play a special role in ensuring court sessions run smoothly and all parties involved receive a fair trial. Although machines and tools have evolved over the years, we still cannot depend on them solely to record court proceedings. These new machines cannot take down what has happened in a court that requires human interpretation.

No doubt, audio and video recording reduce the amount of work court reporters have to do. This might seem like a threat to their work, but there is no real cause of concern since technology cannot replace human reporters anytime soon.

While some states are embracing the use of technology, others are swapping out technology for people. Then again, the costs of buying and maintaining these devices, along with transferring hidden costs to attorneys and clients, and the cost of transcription copies, may just be as much or as higher as hiring a real time court reporter.

The financial implications of migrating from real time stenographers to the use of technology may take a toll on the sustainability of the court system. Considering this, it is becoming more unlikely that stenographers and certified court reporters will become extinct like the dodo.

It is therefore safe to say, court reporters are here to stay. In any case, the courts still need them as they are the only ones more than competent to do the job.

Court reporting is easily one of the oldest careers in recorded human civilization and has been a path for so many people over the years. Indeed, court reporters have always been, and continue to be, held in high regard in and out of legal circles for their vital roles in judicial processes. In essence, they record and transcribe all occurrences in court sessions, and their transcripts serve as important references for the court and parties to a trial, and sometimes even the public. 

Nonetheless, with technological progress rendering a bunch of other professions redundant (remember when we had postmen?), it is not far-fetched to wonder whether court reporters will still be in demand in the coming years. Matter of fact, one aspect of court reporting – the use of videotape catalogs as backup for transcripts – was phased out when it proved to be too much of a logistical nightmare. Until now, there hasn’t been a universal replacement for the same, but there’s no doubt that in due time, the tech will catch up. 

Digital Recording and Storage 

The rise and increasing use of digital file recording and storage technology will undoubtedly be one of the main factors that drive the modernization of court reporting. In particular, digital video storage offers a cheaper, faster and more convenient way to store and retrieve recordings. This is in comparison to the traditional practice that involved storing records in temperature-controlled rooms, and where retrieval was a tedious operation that involved sifting through endless files. 

Paper documents, such as transcripts, can also be stored digitally, whether in flash drives, portable hard drives, or even the cloud. Once accepted and adopted across the board, digital storage of court documents will first and foremost make them more accessible to a wider audience. It will also reduce the workload of certified court reporters, who will just have to upload a file once for everyone, unlike in the current system where they have to print multiple copies for different parties. 

So, What Next for Court Reporters?

With all the touted benefits of digital recording, transcription and storage, they are still a long way off replacing human reporters for several reasons. One, despite advances in cybersecurity approaches, digitally stored media is still not as secure as you would expect. It is highly vulnerable to hacking, accidental loss, or malicious deletion. Admittedly, physically stored documents can also be misplaced or stolen, but are way much easier to secure in the long term.

Secondly, human court reporters produce accurate and reliable transcripts (in general) compared to digital recorders. That’s because they are better at figuring out differences in pronunciation among different people. Copies produced by certified court reporters also have more integrity as they can’t easily be changed after dispatch, unlike digital files that can be edited or deleted with no evidence left.

Different courts and jurisdictions have different rules, procedures, and objectives and hence, don’t expect any changes in regards to court reporting systems to be adopted universally. But for now, and possibly for the foreseeable future, most courts are choosing to trust their tested and proven human reporters over the volatile technology. 

In this post, we have gathered some of the advantages that you can accrue by becoming a certified court reporter. Let us look at how getting the right certification can propel your career to the next level.

Recently, the state of New Hampshire expressed interest in enacting legislation to get rid of some of the certification boards including one that is responsible for court reporting. Unsurprisingly, this move elicited concern among many court reporters in the state who feared that this would negatively impact their ability to find work. Through intensive lobbying, they were able to delay the legislation for a year, which was such a huge win for workers in this profession. This was a clear signal of the robustness of certification in this career.  

So, what are the benefits of becoming certified in this line of work?

Well, for starters, many states have certification requirements for anyone seeking to work as a court reporter. This means that you need to be certified in order to get a job as a court reporter in these states. Although there are some states in which certification for court reporting is optional, having a certificate still improves your employability and increases your chances of finding work a lot easier.

It is worth noting that court reporters play a very fundamental role in the litigation process, without which the court systems would be dysfunctional. For this reason, court reporters are required to meet very high standards of professionalism and must have the right skill set for the job. Having a certification, therefore, serves as proof that you are highly qualified and able to carry out the tasks in your job description to the level that is expected.

The NCRA is the organization that is tasked with setting the national certification standards for court reporters as well as administering the certification (although this duty is sometimes done by the states themselves). The National Conference of State Associations seeks to set up the requirements for licensing and certification as well as instituting certification programs that are recognized nationally. Individuals who are looking to become certified court reporters can take the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification, which is now recognized in 22 states.

When it’s all said and done, getting a certification will enable you to get employment in organizations that have a preference for certified court reporters. This makes you more valuable in your field and you will undoubtedly become a highly sought after professional. So, if you are keen on impressing your potential employers and improving your reputation as a court reporter, getting a certification will enable you to achieve that!