| With the astounding leaps and bounds in technology, | | | | Interactive real-time reporting allows officials to link to |
| there have been many changes regarding traditional | | | | their computer to testimonial text during testimony. |
| jobs. Some jobs are diminishing while others are | | | | Court reporters use a computer and a stenotype |
| thriving. The key to maintaining a career is to adapt to | | | | machine. The stenotype allows the reporter to utilize a |
| new technology. One career area that has embraced | | | | method of shorthand by using word sounds to record |
| technology is Court Reporting. | | | | the information. The computer uses software called |
| A career as a court reporter provides a broad range | | | | computer-aided transcription (CAD) to translate the |
| of opportunities. The function of a court reporter is to | | | | information in English. The information can then be |
| record verbatim court proceedings, transcribe | | | | edited, passed on to the appropriate official, and stored |
| depositions, recording business meetings, provide | | | | until requested. |
| real-time translation services for the deaf, and provide | | | | Another technological advancement in court reporting |
| closed captioning services. | | | | is Communication Access Real-Time Translation or |
| The use of technology has in many ways changed | | | | CART. It is primarily used for the deaf, which gives |
| how court reporters perform their duties. Instead of | | | | them real time access to what is taking place. |
| letting the field diminish, court reporters have chosen to | | | | Broadcast Captioning is also a thriving area for court |
| welcome the new technology. Although there have | | | | reporters as they can now enter captions of live |
| been many technological advances in speech | | | | television programs for the deaf. |
| recognition software, humans are needed to report the | | | | Another technological advancement court reporters |
| accuracy of the technology. Because of technology, | | | | are now utilizing is compressing transcripts, depositions, |
| court reporters are more connected to all areas of the | | | | and videos into discs that can be shared with all of the |
| judicial system. They can now report in real-time and | | | | appropriate judicial officials. |
| are involved with video conferencing, internet | | | | There is now a growing demand for court reporters. A |
| communications, and encrypted e-mail services. | | | | study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that |
| Real-time reporting involves displaying testimony in | | | | court reporting job openings "will increase by 25% over |
| real-time on computer screens. Court reporters have | | | | the next several years." When court reporters |
| the ability to record and translate testimony instantly | | | | embrace technological advancements and incorporate |
| and display it on computer screens during a trial. These | | | | them into their daily job duties, they become more |
| real time transcripts can also be printed during a | | | | efficient, faster, and thus more valuable to the legal |
| deposition. Final copies of transcripts have same day | | | | process. As well, many non-legal fields are using the |
| accessibility in such forms as disc, print, or online | | | | skills of court reporters. |
| sharing. | | | | There has been a significant increase in the demand |
| Real-time reporting allows for more research | | | | for real-time closed-captioning reporters for the hearing |
| capabilities. There is now software that can scan | | | | impaired. This is a job suited for court reporters |
| numerous documents and highlight key words and | | | | because they are trained and educated to translate |
| phrases to improve and enhance case research and | | | | word for word speech into text quickly and accurately. |
| preparation. Real-time recording reduces the amount | | | | Court reporting is one career that has taken |
| of time it takes to get the correct information to the | | | | advantage of the changes in technology to ensure |
| requester. | | | | their field is one that is staying in demand. |