How to Find a Court Reporter That Offers Impeccable Service

The operation of a legal court depends on several individuals serving in official capacities, and the least noticed of these individuals is always a court reporter. Sitting quietly at the front of the courtroom in a fixed position for hours on end, a court reporter fulfills what seems like an effortless duty: the recording of a proceeding's speech by stenograph, electronic recorder or voice machine. Yet, aside from a reporter's necessary credentials, there are indeed some things that separate an impeccable courthouse reporter from a merely mediocre one. Therefore, whether you are a judge who needs to find a court reporter that is proficient in a particular form or court reporting or you need a reporter to record the speech of a non-court related proceeding; there are some characteristics that you should look for in a reporter before making your final decision.

Good Ethical Standing

While few would admit to being unethical if their livelihood were on the line, there are other ways to determine whether or not a courthouse reporter exhibits good ethics. Aside from the obvious signs of good ethical standing, such as possessing a clean legal record, there are subtler signs that indicate whether a reporter will produce impartial transcripts or possibly slant transcripts due to his or her personal convictions. For example, a reporter who entertains racial, socioeconomic or religious prejudice is a reporter that you don't want handling something as crucial as a court transcript. Therefore, one of the best ways to hire an impartial reporter is to consult an litigation support provider who puts their court reporters through a rigorous screening process.

Physical Fitness

Suggesting that courthouse reporter needs to be physically fit to perform his or her job may sound like a joke. But it's important to remember that sitting in a fixed position for hours on end indeed requires physical endurance. While attorneys have the luxury of walking the courtroom floor and judges can shift in their chairs as much as they please, a court reporter (especially a stenographer) must remain extremely sedentary in order to vigilantly operate his or her equipment. While a great physique is no indication of a great court reporter, a court reporter that is without serious medical conditions and in reasonably good shape is preferable.

Good Personal Qualities

To find a court reporter that has good personal qualities, the best option is to again consult with a litigation support provider that puts its court reporters through a rigorous screening process. Generally, two personal qualities that make for a poor courthouse reporter are a fondness for gossip and emotional immaturity. Due to the sensitive information revealed during court proceedings, a loose-lipped courthouse reporter can be both the defense's and the prosecution's worst enemy. All it takes is for a reporter to speak with a journalist under condition of anonymity to bring unwanted attention to a case. Similarly, an emotionally immature reporter can bring unwanted drama to court proceedings. In addition to maintaining composure in the face of shocking testimony, a courthouse reporter must also maintain composure in the face of testimony that affects him or her in a personal way.