AR Court Reporter key terms

A person trained to make a verbatim record of court proceedings, either by machine shorthand, voice writing, or digital means, and to prepare an official transcript of that record.

A court reporter who has passed a state certification examination and met training and character requirements, allowing the reporter to be sworn in and to certify transcripts as official records.

A keyboard device with a limited number of keys that a reporter presses in combinations to record spoken syllables phonetically, producing a paper or electronic shorthand record of proceedings.

A method of verbatim reporting in which the reporter uses a stenotype machine to record spoken words as phonetic syllable combinations, later translated into English for the transcript.

A verbatim reporting method in which the reporter speaks into a mask or microphone, repeating proceedings aloud with punctuation and speaker identification, while speech recognition software produces text.

The instantaneous conversion of a reporter's keystrokes or speech into readable text displayed on monitors during a proceeding, often used for attorney viewing or for deaf or hard-of-hearing participants.

A credential recognizing a reporter who has demonstrated the speed and accuracy needed to provide live, unedited text feeds of proceedings to judges and attorneys in the courtroom.

A complete, word-for-word account of what was said during a proceeding, including questions, answers, objections, and rulings, preserved as the official memory of the court.

The written, formatted document prepared from a reporter's notes or recording that reproduces the spoken proceedings, certified by the reporter and filed with the court or delivered to the parties.

A signed statement appended to a transcript in which the reporter affirms that the transcript is a true and accurate record of the proceedings and identifies the method used to make the record.

Sworn out-of-court testimony of a witness recorded by a court reporter before trial, used for discovery, impeachment, or preservation of testimony for later use in the case.

The written record of a deposition prepared by the reporter, typically including appearances, the oath, examination and cross-examination, exhibits marked, and the reporter's certificate.

A formal swearing to tell the truth administered to a witness or reporter before testimony or official duties begin, invoking a binding obligation subject to penalties for falsehood.

A solemn declaration made in place of an oath by a person who objects to swearing on religious grounds, carrying the same legal force and consequences as an oath.

A document, object, or other item formally offered and admitted into evidence during a proceeding, marked with an identifying number or letter and referenced in the transcript.

A direction by the judge or parties that statements made during that period are not to be recorded or included in the transcript, typically announced so the reporter can note it.

The status of proceedings being captured by the reporter for inclusion in the official transcript, including statements, rulings, and colloquy intended to be preserved.

A temporary suspension of proceedings ordered by the judge, after which the proceeding resumes, often noted in the transcript along with the time of suspension and resumption.

A private discussion between the judge and attorneys held outside the hearing of the jury, which may be recorded or placed on the record depending on the court's practice and the judge's direction.

The examination of prospective jurors by the court and attorneys to determine their qualifications and impartiality, frequently reported and transcribed in jury trials.

The judge's instructions to the jury on the law applicable to the case, delivered before deliberations and recorded and transcribed as part of the trial record.

The official record of a case consisting of the pleadings, orders, judgments, and other filings, as distinguished from the transcript of oral proceedings.

The highest court in Arkansas, which has authority to adopt rules governing court practice and procedure, including rules affecting court reporters and the preparation of transcripts.

The intermediate appellate court in Arkansas that reviews trial court decisions, relying on the record and transcript prepared by court reporters to evaluate claims of error.

A directive issued by the Arkansas Supreme Court to manage court operations, such as setting transcript deadlines, reporter certification requirements, or fees and compensation for reporters.

The time limit set by court rule or order within which a reporter must complete and file a transcript, often triggered by a request or notice of appeal.

A grant by the court allowing a reporter additional time beyond the standard deadline to complete a transcript, usually upon a written request showing good cause.

Formal regulations adopted by the Arkansas Supreme Court that govern procedure, practice, and conduct in Arkansas courts, binding on judges, attorneys, and court reporters.

Ethical standards adopted for lawyers and, by extension, applied to court reporters' professional behavior, covering integrity, confidentiality, competence, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

The duty to protect information learned during proceedings from unauthorized disclosure, including sealed matters, grand jury testimony, and discussions held off the record.

A situation in which a reporter's personal, financial, or professional relationships could improperly influence the impartial performance of reporting duties, requiring disclosure or withdrawal.

The ethical obligation of a reporter to remain neutral and unbiased, giving no favor to any party and recording all statements accurately regardless of personal views.

A communication with the judge by one party or attorney outside the presence of the other parties, generally prohibited and a matter reporters may be called to record or report.

Portions of a transcript or case file ordered by the court to be kept confidential and unavailable to the public, which the reporter must handle and distribute according to the order.

Required conventions for transcript layout, including caption pages, line numbering, page numbering, speaker identification, and margins, so transcripts are uniform and usable on appeal.

The standard transcript layout using numbered pages with numbered lines, allowing attorneys and courts to cite specific testimony by page and line for the record.

A table at the front or back of a transcript listing witnesses, exhibits, and key events with their page references, helping appellate courts and parties navigate the record.

The practice of preserving a reporter's shorthand notes, recordings, and related materials for a required period so transcripts can be verified, corrected, or reproduced later.

The process of fixing errors in a transcript, whether by the reporter before certification or by stipulation or court order after filing, with changes documented in the record.