AAERT CET Certified Electronic Transcriber key terms

A transcription approach that captures every spoken word, including filler words, false starts, and repetitions, exactly as uttered. Legal proceedings often require it unless the presiding officer directs otherwise.

A transcript edited to remove filler words, stutters, and false starts while preserving meaning and substance. It is not verbatim and is used only when the ordering authority permits it.

A sound or word with little substantive meaning, such as um, uh, or you know, used to pause or hold the floor. Verbatim transcripts usually retain these; clean transcripts typically omit them.

A short identifier placed at the start of a speaker's utterance to show who is talking, such as Q, A, THE COURT, or MS. SMITH. Labels must be consistent throughout the document.

A transcript layout in which each question is marked with Q and each answer with A, with speakers alternating on separate lines. It is standard for depositions and other examination proceedings.

Dialogue among participants in a proceeding, such as attorneys and the judge, as opposed to formal question-and-answer examination. It is usually transcribed in narrative or block form with speaker labels.

A bracketed or parenthesized note in a transcript describing a non-speech event, such as [Exhibit 3 marked] or (Off the record). It documents occurrences the words alone do not convey.

A status in which proceedings are not being captured for the official transcript, often at a judge's direction. Transcribers note such intervals with a parenthetical rather than transcribing the conversation.

The status of proceedings being officially captured and subject to transcription. Statements made on the record become part of the official transcript and may be relied on by reviewing courts.

The written record of spoken proceedings, produced from audio or stenographic notes. It is the official written account used for appeal, review, and reference.

Careful review of a transcript for spelling, punctuation, speaker attribution, and formatting errors before delivery. It is a distinct quality-control step from the initial transcription pass.

A timestamp embedded in or associated with an audio or video recording that marks a specific point in elapsed time. Transcribers use timecodes to locate passages and to synchronize transcripts with media.

A notation in a transcript giving the time at which a passage occurs in the recording. Timestamps help reviewers verify content and find specific statements quickly.

A hardware controller operated by foot that starts, stops, and rewinds audio playback, freeing the transcriber's hands for typing. It is a common tool in professional transcription setups.

A computer program used to play audio, type text, and manage transcript files, often offering foot pedal support, timecode insertion, and speaker labeling. It may also include automated speech recognition features.

Technology that converts spoken audio into text using machine models. Its output typically requires human review and correction before use in legal transcripts because of error rates and formatting limitations.

The clarity of a recording, affected by background noise, microphone placement, crosstalk, and volume levels. Poor audio quality increases transcription errors and may require the transcriber to flag inaudible passages.

A designation used when recorded speech cannot be understood despite careful listening. It is typically shown in brackets or parentheses so readers know the omission reflects the recording, not the transcriber.

A duplicate copy of transcript files or recordings stored separately from the working version. Regular backups protect against data loss from hardware failure, theft, or accidental deletion.

An agreed pattern for naming files, such as case number, date, and volume, so documents can be identified and retrieved reliably. Consistent naming supports organization and avoids confusion among similar files.

A pretrial proceeding in which a witness answers questions under oath outside the courtroom, usually recorded by a court reporter or electronic means. The resulting transcript can be used to impeach testimony or preserve it for trial.

A formal swearing to tell the truth, or an affirmation in place of swearing, administered before testimony. Witnesses who give false testimony under oath may face perjury charges.

Statements made by a witness under oath in a legal proceeding. The transcript of testimony is part of the official record and may be reviewed on appeal.

A document, object, or recording offered and identified as evidence in a proceeding. Exhibits are usually numbered or lettered, and their marking is noted in the transcript.

A formal challenge by an attorney to a question, answer, or procedure, asking the presiding officer to rule on its propriety. Objections and rulings are recorded in the transcript.

A ruling by the judge agreeing with an objection, meaning the challenged question or evidence is not permitted. The transcript records the ruling so reviewing courts can see what was excluded.

A ruling by the judge rejecting an objection, allowing the question or evidence to proceed. The transcript records the ruling for the official record.

The process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability to serve, or a preliminary examination of a witness's competence. The term appears in transcripts of jury selection and foundational questioning.

The transcriber's signed statement attesting that a transcript is a true and accurate record of the proceedings. It carries professional and legal weight and should be made only after thorough review.

The ethical duty to protect information learned while transcribing, such as sealed matters, personal data, or attorney-client communications, from unauthorized disclosure. Breaches can harm parties and violate law or regulation.

Court records or portions of proceedings restricted from public access by court order. Transcribers must not release sealed material and should follow the court's instructions on handling it.

A situation in which a transcriber's personal or financial interests could improperly influence their work, such as transcribing for a relative or opposing party. It should be disclosed and avoided.

The ethical requirement to transcribe accurately and without favoritism toward any party, witness, or attorney. It means recording what was said even when it is unhelpful to a preferred side.

Contact with a judge or decision-maker by one party or their representative without the other side present. Transcribers should avoid participating in or facilitating such communications.

The use of prior inconsistent statements to challenge a witness's credibility. Deposition transcripts are often consulted to show contradictions with later testimony.

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible subject to exceptions. The term frequently appears in objections recorded in transcripts.

An agreement between parties about a fact or procedure, often placed on the record. Transcribers should capture stipulations accurately because they may bind the parties.

Evidence or argument offered to counter or disprove the opposing party's case after they have presented theirs. The term may appear in transcripts of trial proceedings and argument.

A criminal proceeding in which the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea. Transcripts of arraignments record the plea and related statements.