GA Court Reporter flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Minimum transcription accuracy for certification

The Georgia Board of Court Reporting and the RPR exam require a minimum of 95% accuracy on each dictation segment (literary, jury charge, Q&A) to pass certification.

Dictation speeds for certification

Literary: 180 wpm; Jury Charge: 200 wpm; Q&A: 225 wpm. Each segment is 5 minutes long with a 75-minute transcription period.

CAT system translation

Computer-aided transcription converts steno strokes into English; untranslated strokes appear as raw steno and must be manually corrected before certification.

Accuracy calculation formula

Accuracy = (total words - errors) / total words × 100. Errors include misspellings, omitted or added words, and incorrect punctuation that changes meaning.

Literary dictation definition

Reading of documents such as depositions, pleadings, or letters into the record; tested at 180 wpm and requires accurate capture of text and punctuation cues.

Jury charge dictation

The judge's instructions to the jury, typically read at 200 wpm; reporters must accurately capture legal phrases, citations, and statutory language.

Reading documents into record

When a document is read aloud, the reporter marks it as read and identifies it (e.g., 'Plaintiff's Exhibit 1') rather than transcribing the entire text unless ordered.

Pattern jury instructions

Georgia Suggested Pattern Jury Instructions are commonly used; reporters should maintain a pre-built dictionary of these charges to ensure accuracy.

Q&A dictation speed

Testimony dictation is tested at 225 wpm and includes colloquy, objections, and witness answers with frequent interruptions and non-verbal cues.

Speaker identification in transcript

Speakers are identified by role (e.g., 'THE COURT:', 'MR. SMITH:', 'THE WITNESS:'). First mention includes full name; subsequent mentions use titles.

Handling overlapping speech

When speakers overlap, transcribe what is audible and note '[inaudible]' or '[overlapping voices]' as appropriate; never guess or summarize.

Objections and rulings transcription

Objections and rulings are transcribed verbatim; include 'sustained' or 'overruled' and any subsequent instruction to the jury.

Transcript title page requirements

Must include the case name, court, case number, and a certification signed by the reporter with license number and date.

Transcript formatting specifications

25 lines per page, 10 characters per inch (monospaced font), line numbers, and at least 1-inch margins on all sides.

Reporter's certification

A signed statement that the transcript is a true and correct record of the proceedings; must be dated and include the reporter's license number.

Errata sheet purpose

Used to correct errors in a transcript after certification; the reporter must file a corrected certification if substantive changes are made.

Serial comma usage

Use the Oxford comma in lists of three or more items to avoid ambiguity, unless the court style guide dictates otherwise.

Punctuation with quotation marks

In American English, commas and periods go inside quotation marks; place other punctuation according to the speaker's inflection and standard grammar.

Em dash and ellipsis rules

Use em dashes (-) without spaces for interruptions; use ellipses (...) for trailing off or pauses, with spaces before and after if mid-sentence.

Numbers in transcript

Spell out one through nine; use numerals for 10 and above, except in legal citations and monetary amounts (e.g., '$5,000').

Georgia court structure

Appellate (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals), Superior Courts (general jurisdiction), State, Juvenile, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts.

Common objection grounds

Hearsay, relevance, leading, speculation, foundation, privilege; the judge rules 'sustained' (objection upheld) or 'overruled' (objection denied).

Voir dire definition

Jury selection process where attorneys and the judge question prospective jurors to determine impartiality and suitability to serve.

Allocution definition

The defendant's statement before sentencing, allowing them to address the court personally; it is part of the record.

Impartiality requirement

Court reporters must be impartial and may not give legal advice or alter the record to favor any party; they are officers of the court.

Confidentiality obligation

Reporters must not disclose information from sealed or private proceedings; unauthorized disclosure may result in license revocation.

Licensing requirement in Georgia

Court reporters must be licensed by the Georgia Board of Court Reporting; unlicensed practice is a misdemeanor.

Conflict of interest prohibition

Reporters may not report a proceeding in which they have a personal or financial interest; they must avoid gifts or favors that could influence their work.

Georgia Supreme Court composition

The Supreme Court of Georgia has 7 justices; the Court of Appeals has 15 judges and sits in panels of 3.

Record retention period

Reporters must retain stenographic notes and transcripts for at least 5 years, or longer if required by court order or statute.

Transcript filing requirement

Transcripts must be filed with the clerk of the court; the reporter keeps a copy and provides it upon request to parties who have paid the required fee.

Open Records Act application

The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70) applies to court records, but sealed records and grand jury proceedings are exempt.