A Guide to Court Reporters and the Growing Courtroom Problem

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If you have ever been to court or if you have ever watched a legal drama, then you may know what a court reporter is. The court reporter is the person in the corner who often reads back testimony to the judge and keeps a running transcript of the legal proceedings. What you may not know, however, is that there is currently a shortage of court reporters.

Court Reporters Explained

Court reporters are responsible for accuracy. They provide the official transcript of legal proceedings . This includes legislative meetings, hearings and trials. It is a court reporter's duty to attend hearings and dispositions and report on the spoken words. Additionally, court reporters must be able to report on the speaker's identification and actions.

Given the responsibilities reporters have, they have to have a variety of skills. Court reporters must have comprehensive knowledge in: Legal studies English grammar Research Technology Transcript procedures In addition, court reporters must be able to type 180 words per minute. Most court reporters should be proficient in shorthand and have very few mistakes.

Court Reporter Education Discussed

To become a court reporter, you may need to enter into a court reporter program. These classes will teach potential reporters the skills necessary, how to work with a manual stenotype machine and the basics of court reporting.

Most court reporting programs are extremely flexible. Many schools offer online courses and day and evening classes. For the busy student, this is extremely important. All schools have similar curriculums and requirements. This is because each course has to prepare students to take the state exams to receive licensing.

The Industry Outlined

The problem with the court reporting industry is not that reporters can't find work. The opposite problem is true. There is plenty of work for reporters, but a serious shortage in those who can perform the tasks. Recruiters have difficulties finding the right talent for the job. A court reporting shortage is a serious problem for courts.

Since court reporting appears to be a lucrative field, it may surprise you that there is a shortage. Here are a few different factors involved with this: an increased demand for court reporters than in the past a decrease of workers due to the increase in retirement rates a decrease in court reporting school enrollment

An increased demand may seem like a great thing when it comes to finding work. The truth is that it is great for those who want to become court reporters. There is less competition because there are a fewer workers to choose from. Court reporters are invaluable when it comes to the court system and legal process.

This means that court reporters have more control over their careers. Court reporting has extremely high earning potential with very little as far as education requirements are concerned. You don't need to attend an expensive four year college. It can be simple to become the court reporter Portland Oregon courts need.

To know the growing problems in courtrooms is to know that the court reporting industry in need of more reporters. There will always be a need for court reporters and because of the shortage, court rooms may suffer because of it. To become a court reporter, a person needs little education and can embark on a stable and lucrative career.