KS Court Reporter key terms

The recording of spoken proceedings word for word, including repetitions, false starts, and grammatical errors, without editing or summarizing testimony. Court reporters must preserve the exact spoken record so appellate courts can review what was actually said.

A transcript in which stutters, filler words, and obvious slips may be omitted or corrected for readability, typically by agreement of parties or under local practice. It contrasts with strict verbatim transcription of the spoken record.

The immediate translation of stenographic keystrokes into text displayed on monitors or screens during a proceeding. It requires a large, well-maintained dictionary and is used for bench conferences, interpreters, and access services.

Software that converts a stenographer's machine shorthand into English text for editing and formatting. The reporter writes the record, and the software translates, searches, and produces the final transcript file.

A keyboard device with a small number of keys that records syllables as chords, producing machine shorthand. Reporters use it to capture proceedings at speaking speed and later translate the strokes into text.

The judge's instructions to the jury on the law, the issues, and the verdict forms before deliberations. In Kentucky the charge is read to the jury and its exact wording must be transcribed accurately.

The questioning of prospective jurors to determine impartiality and fitness to serve, or the preliminary examination of a witness's qualifications. The term is French for 'to speak the truth' and appears often in transcripts.

A private discussion among the judge and attorneys at the judge's bench, outside the jury's hearing. Reporters must capture it when directed, often using realtime display or by approaching the bench.

A conversation held at the judge's bench outside the hearing of the jury, usually to resolve evidentiary or procedural disputes. Whether it is recorded depends on the judge's direction and local practice.

The exchange of remarks among judge, counsel, and witnesses during a proceeding, as opposed to formal questions and answers. Accurate colloquy transcription requires tracking speakers and overlapping speech.

The practice of labeling each speaker in a transcript, such as THE COURT, MR. SMITH, or THE WITNESS, so the record shows who said what. Consistent designations are essential for appellate review.

The reporter's signed statement at the end of a transcript attesting that the transcript is a true and accurate record of the proceedings. It typically includes the reporter's name, credentials, and date.

A sworn statement accompanying a transcript certifying its accuracy and completeness. It may be signed by the reporter or, where required, acknowledged before a notary or officer authorized to administer oaths.

A formal declaration before a notary public that a person signed a document voluntarily. Some jurisdictions require notarized reporter certificates; Kentucky practice should be confirmed against current rules and local requirements.

The standardized layout of a transcript, including caption, appearance page, index, page numbering, line numbering, margins, and font. Consistent formatting supports citation by page and line on appeal.

The numbering of each transcript page and each line so that testimony can be cited precisely, for example 'page 42, line 17.' Courts and parties rely on these designations in briefs and motions.

The heading of a court document showing the court, parties, case number, and title of the action. The caption on a transcript identifies the proceeding and must match the court record.

The rules and schedules governing how long a reporter or court keeps stenographic notes, audio, and transcripts. Retention periods vary by case type and jurisdiction, and destruction before the required period can be a serious violation.

The paper or electronic record of machine shorthand strokes from which a transcript is produced. Notes may be required to be preserved for a set period and can be used to resolve disputes about transcript accuracy.

Sworn out-of-court testimony taken by oral or written questions and preserved in a transcript for use in litigation. The reporter administers the oath if authorized and records objections and colloquy.

The pretrial process by which parties obtain evidence and information from each other, including interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions. Reporters often transcribe discovery-related hearings and depositions.

Written questions served on a party that must be answered in writing under oath within a set time. They are a discovery device distinct from depositions, which involve live questioning.

The person authorized to administer oaths and preside over a deposition, often a court reporter or notary. The officer certifies the deposition transcript and may rule on certain objections.

A sworn promise to tell the truth, administered to witnesses, jurors, and officers before testimony or service. The reporter's transcript should reflect that the oath was given.

A solemn declaration made in place of an oath by a person who objects to swearing on religious grounds. It carries the same legal force as an oath and should be noted in the record.

A party's formal challenge to evidence, a question, or procedure, which the judge rules on. Reporters must capture the objection, its stated grounds, and the court's ruling exactly.

A statement made outside the jury's presence describing what excluded evidence would have shown, preserving the issue for appeal. The reporter records the offer and the court's ruling.

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible unless an exception applies. Reporters often hear hearsay objections and must transcribe the ruling accurately.

The jury's formal decision on the issues submitted to it, announced in open court. The reporter records the verdict as returned and any polling of the jury.

A criminal proceeding in which the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea. Reporters transcribe the plea colloquy and the court's advisements.

The judge's questioning of a defendant to ensure a guilty plea is knowing, voluntary, and factually supported. The exchange is transcribed verbatim because it is central to later challenges.

The unified court system of Kentucky, comprising the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, District Court, and other courts established by law. Reporters should know the hierarchy and the types of cases each court hears.

Kentucky's court of general jurisdiction, hearing felony criminal cases, civil cases above a statutory amount, and appeals from District Court. It is organized by judicial circuit and may have family and other divisions.

Kentucky's limited-jurisdiction court, handling misdemeanors, small claims, traffic, juvenile, and preliminary felony matters. It is organized by judicial district and its records may be appealed to Circuit Court.

The duty to protect information learned during reporting, such as grand jury matters, sealed records, and juvenile proceedings. Unauthorized disclosure can violate statutes, court orders, and professional ethics rules.

A court file or portion of a transcript closed to public access by court order. Reporters must handle and distribute sealed material only as the order permits.

Contact with the judge by one party or attorney without notice to the other side. Reporters should avoid participating in or facilitating such communications and should record them if directed.

A situation in which a reporter's personal, financial, or professional interests could compromise impartiality, such as reporting for a party related to the reporter. Disclosure and recusal may be required.

The ethical and legal duties of a court reporter, including accuracy, impartiality, competence, confidentiality, and compliance with certification requirements. Violations can lead to discipline or loss of certification.

The vocabulary of anatomy, disease, treatment, and pharmacology encountered in personal injury, malpractice, and workers' compensation cases. Reporters build and maintain these terms in their dictionaries to ensure accurate transcription.