A Miami court reporter isn’t your average stenographer.
That said, there are many differences between the existing court reporting firms throughout the nation.
Despite these differences, court reporting agencies primarily serve as production houses.
Their clients include various private law firms. These can be at the local, state, and federal levels in government agencies, trade associations, meeting planners, as well as nonprofits.
In this post, we’re going to discuss why these court reporting firms are in fact, NOT created equal. We’re also going to dive into the world of information surrounding the intrigue of a Miami court reporter.
Let’s take a closer look at the facts on court reporting.
What is a Court Reporter?
According to Wikipedia, a court reporter is an individual who uses stenotype machines or voice writing in order to create official transcripts of legal proceedings.
The court reporter will create a written record of the proceedings which is called “the transcript”.
This makes it available to the official agencies in charge of overseeing the legal system. These transcripts are then filed with the appropriate court and are considered legal documents.
Because these transcripts are considered part of the official record, they may be used as, or have value as evidence in subsequent trials.
What is a Court Reporting Firm?
As per Wikipedia, a court reporting firm (also known as a “court reporting agency,” “transcription company,” or “court reporting bureau”) is a private business which specializes in creating transcripts of proceedings in legal cases for use in future trials.
In comparison to an official Miami court reporter, a court reporting agency is not necessarily subject to the orders and laws of the court. The transcripts produced by a court reporting agency are often used by parties in future trials but may not become part of that trial’s official record.
If you’re wondering what skills they need – professional court reporters can work in all kinds of different settings and situations.
In fact, you could say that being a Miami court reporter keeps you on your toes.
How Do You Become a Miami Court Reporter?
A Miami court reporter only becomes a Miami court reporter after acquiring the right experience.
The state of Florida licenses and regulates court reporting firms, which includes the official acts of stenography, voice writing, and real-time closed captioning.
There are many different education and experience requirements that need to be met in order to become a Miami court reporter.
For example, you will need to have taken an accredited high school course in typing or have learned stenography or voice writing at a postsecondary educational institution.
You may also need to take an exam in order to become licensed by the state’s regulatory body for reporting firms – Board of Certification of Court Reporters.
So, What’s the Difference in the Varying Court Reporter Firms?
Since we’re not licensed by the state for a Miami court reporter, it’s important that we make a distinction between the different agencies.
We’re going to give attention to two categories of court reporter firms: local Miami court reporters and global Miami court reporters.
First, let’s address the obvious difference between local court reporters and global Miami court reporters.
Local and global are pretty self-explanatory but what you should know is that there are many factors that take a Miami court reporter from one environment to another.
For starters, you may need travel resources or specialized equipment in order to work in any given setting.
Let’s take a look at the different categories of court reporting firms – and what you should know about them.
Global Court Reporting Firms: The Global Difference
Have you ever thought about how your Miami court reporter is handling their international clientele?
If you’re wondering, the answer is yes. Some local Miami court reporters are already serving their global clients in places such as Turkey, Cyprus, Iraq, and many others!
So what’s the difference between local and global court reporters?
A global mission requires specialized skills. These include the ability to adapt to an array of working conditions which may include various time zones, equipment use requirements as well as cultural differences.
Is There Any Differences Between a Miami Court Reporter and a Stenographer?
If you’re taking a look at the difference between court reporters and stenographers it might be easier for you to understand if you take a closer look at what each does.
A Miami court reporter is glibly called an “official transcript.” Basically, this means that a Miami court reporter will bring official information into the legal system.
So, how does one become a stenographer? Well, in order to become one, you must have taken an accredited high school course in typing or have learned stenography or voice writing at some point in your education. You will also need to pass an exam for licensure by the state’s regulatory body – Board of Certification of Court Reporters.
Is a Miami Court Reporter an Officer of the Court?
According to the state of Florida, court reporters are officers of the court. As a matter of fact, these individuals are vested with specific powers and may be called upon to use them in order to fulfill their duty as an officer.
Court reporters may have three (3) powers:
The power to administer oaths. The power to subpoena witnesses. The power to exclude witnesses from the courtroom if they refuse to cooperate with the reporter’s orders or directives.
Last Word
If you’re looking into becoming a Miami court reporter, then the details above should help you determine if this is the right fit for you.
No matter what, being legally-minded is key. Keep this in mind, and you’ll be highly successful.