GA Court Reporter key terms

A chorded keyboard with a small number of keys that a court reporter presses simultaneously to write syllables and words phonetically, producing a shorthand code rather than ordinary spelling.

A single simultaneous press of two or more stenotype keys, which the reporter's dictionary maps to a syllable, word, phrase, or punctuation mark.

The stored file in computer-aided transcription software that links each shorthand chord or chord sequence to its written-out word, phrase, or punctuation; reporters build and edit it continuously.

Computer-aided transcription software that converts stenotype strokes into English text in real time, allows dictionary editing, and supports scoping, indexing, and transcript production.

A situation in which one shorthand chord is defined to more than one word or phrase in the reporter's dictionary, so the software cannot choose automatically and the reporter must resolve or differentiate the entries.

The immediate conversion of stenotype strokes into readable text on a screen as the proceeding occurs, often displayed to a judge or attorney and requiring a highly accurate, well-maintained dictionary.

The post-proceeding editing process in which a scopist or the reporter corrects untranslated strokes, punctuation, and formatting in the CAT file before the transcript is finalized.

An untranslated stenotype stroke that the software could not match to any dictionary entry, displayed as a placeholder and requiring the reporter or scopist to supply the intended word.

Dictation of read-aloud material such as depositions, attorney arguments, or documents, named for the literary style of complete sentences rather than rapid question-and-answer exchange.

The judge's instructions on the law read to the jury before deliberations; reporters must capture this formal, often prewritten text with exact wording and punctuation.

A proceeding, usually held outside the jury's presence, at which the judge and attorneys settle the final content of the jury instructions and objections to them are placed on the record.

The testimony format in which examiner and witness alternate, requiring the reporter to switch speakers rapidly and to punctuate each speaker's remarks as separate paragraphs.

The identifying label, such as the examiner's name or 'THE WITNESS,' that precedes each speaker's words in a transcript to show who is talking.

Discussion among the judge and attorneys, as opposed to witness testimony; it is recorded and formatted with speaker designations and may be subject to sidebar or off-the-record limits.

A bench conference among the judge and attorneys held outside the jury's hearing; whether and how it is reported depends on the judge's instruction and applicable rules.

A judge's direction that spoken words not be made part of the official transcript; the reporter notes the change on the record and resumes reporting when the proceeding returns on the record.

The final written record of a proceeding, prepared by the reporter and accompanied by a certificate attesting that it is a true and accurate transcription of the proceedings reported.

The signed statement appended to a transcript in which the reporter affirms the transcript's accuracy and identifies the proceeding, the reporter, and any pertinent qualifications or limitations.

Careful review of a transcript for errors in spelling, punctuation, names, numbers, and formatting before certification, performed against the reporter's notes and the record.

A front-of-transcript listing, with page and line references, of speakers, exhibits, and major events in the proceeding, used to navigate a long record quickly.

A document or object marked for identification and possibly admitted into evidence; the reporter records its number, the marking, and any ruling on admissibility.

A party's formal challenge to a question, answer, exhibit, or procedure; the reporter captures the objection, its stated ground, and the court's ruling verbatim.

Jury selection questioning, or in another usage the preliminary examination of a witness's qualifications; reporters must recognize both senses from context.

The defendant's opportunity to address the court personally before sentencing, typically after conviction; the reporter must capture this statement accurately as part of the record.

A Latin phrase meaning 'for this occasion,' used when an out-of-state attorney is admitted temporarily to practice before a court for a particular case.

A Latin phrase meaning 'of its own accord,' describing a court action taken on the judge's own initiative without a party's motion.

The sworn commitment a court reporter takes to faithfully and impartially record proceedings, often administered at appointment or before taking testimony.

The ethical duty to record all parties' words accurately and without bias, favoritism, or editorial alteration, regardless of which side the reporter personally finds persuasive.

The obligation not to disclose information from proceedings, such as grand jury matters, sealed records, or private testimony, except as authorized by law or court order.

Contact with a judge by one party or attorney outside the presence of other parties; reporters must avoid participating in or facilitating such contacts and should place concerns on the record.

A body that reviews evidence to determine whether charges should be brought; its proceedings are secret, and reporters are bound not to disclose what occurred.

Georgia's general-jurisdiction trial court, hearing felony criminal cases and civil matters and maintaining the official court record through its reporters.

A Georgia trial court of limited jurisdiction that handles misdemeanors and most civil actions, with jurisdiction defined by statute and distinguished from the Superior Court.

The intermediate appellate court that reviews decisions of the trial courts in most cases, using the certified transcript as the record on appeal.

The state's highest court, hearing appeals in specified categories such as constitutional questions, election disputes, and habeas corpus, and reviewing the trial record.

A geographic grouping of Georgia counties served by one or more Superior Court judges, each circuit overseen by a chief judge and served by official court reporters.

The state board that licenses and regulates court reporters, sets standards, and handles complaints and discipline within the reporting profession.