LA Court Reporter key terms

A national credential awarded after passing a skills and knowledge examination, demonstrating competence in general reporting practice. Louisiana reporters may hold it alongside state requirements, though it does not replace any state-issued authorization.

A national entry-level certification earned by passing a written knowledge test and timed dictation skills tests. It signals baseline proficiency in realtime and standard reporting but is separate from Louisiana's own licensure process.

A state-level credential in several jurisdictions, including Louisiana, granted after meeting education, examination, and character requirements. The title authorizes the holder to report official proceedings within that state's courts and agencies.

The state body that administers licensing examinations, issues and renews certificates, sets continuing education rules, and handles complaints against reporters. It operates under Louisiana law and oversees professional conduct for certified shorthand reporters statewide.

A measure of credit earned through approved courses, seminars, or workshops used to renew a reporter's certification. Louisiana requires a set number of hours per renewal cycle, with some hours typically mandated in ethics.

The appointment that lets a reporter administer oaths and certify documents. Many Louisiana reporters hold a notary commission because it supports swearing in witnesses and authenticating deposition transcripts and affidavits.

The formal swearing or affirming of a witness to tell the truth before testimony begins. The reporter typically administers it on the record, and the transcript should show that the oath was given.

The act of placing a witness under oath at the start of testimony, usually performed by the reporter or judge. The transcript should note who administered the oath and when it occurred.

The questioning of prospective jurors to test their fairness and qualifications, or in some contexts the preliminary examination of a witness's competence. Reporters must capture challenges, excusals, and the court's rulings accurately.

A party's right to remove a prospective juror without stating a reason, subject to constitutional limits on discriminatory use. The transcript should record the challenge and any objection or ruling that follows.

A request to remove a prospective juror because of bias, relationship to a party, or another legally recognized ground. The court rules on the challenge, and the reporter records the stated grounds and the ruling.

A discussion between the judge and attorneys held away from the jury, often at the bench. When a record is made, the reporter must capture it accurately, and off-record discussions should be noted as such.

The status of proceedings being captured by the reporter for the official transcript. Statements made on the record are part of the permanent record and may be reviewed on appeal.

A designation that statements are not being transcribed and will not appear in the official transcript. The reporter should note when the record is suspended and when it resumes.

A temporary pause in proceedings, such as for a break or to resolve a legal issue. The reporter notes the time the recess begins and ends so the transcript timeline remains accurate.

Sworn out-of-court testimony taken before trial, usually in a question-and-answer format, with attorneys for the parties present. The reporter records the testimony and prepares a transcript that may be used for discovery or impeachment.

The person whose sworn testimony is taken at a deposition. The reporter identifies the deponent in the caption and administers the oath before questioning begins.

An agreement between parties about a fact or procedure, often placed on the record during a deposition or hearing. Reporters should transcribe stipulations exactly and clearly identify who agreed to them.

The exchange of remarks among judge, attorneys, and witnesses during a proceeding. Accurate transcription of colloquy, including interruptions and overlapping speech, is essential to a reliable record.

The heading of a transcript identifying the court, parties, case number, and proceeding type. A correct caption ties the transcript to the right case and is required for filing and certification.

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

A list at the front or back of a transcript showing page numbers for witnesses, exhibits, and major events. A useful index helps judges and appellate courts navigate long records quickly.

A document, object, or other item offered or admitted into evidence during a proceeding. The reporter marks and tracks exhibits by number or letter and notes when each is identified, offered, and admitted.

The process of assigning an identifying number or letter to an item offered as evidence. Consistent marking and a clear exhibit list prevent confusion in the transcript and on appeal.

The instantaneous translation of stenographic keystrokes into text displayed on screens or monitors during a proceeding. It supports live captioning and immediate review but requires a high level of skill and equipment.

Software that translates a reporter's stenographic notes into readable text for editing and transcript production. It speeds up production but still requires human proofreading for accuracy.

The keyboard device reporters use to record spoken words by pressing multiple keys at once to form syllables and phrases. Its output is translated into text by CAT software and then edited into a final transcript.

The raw stenographic or machine-written record from which a transcript is produced. Notes are generally retained for a set period because they may be needed to resolve disputes about transcript accuracy.

The required period for keeping notes, audio, and transcripts after a proceeding. Louisiana rules set minimum retention periods, and reporters should confirm current requirements before destroying any records.

The required layout of a transcript, including margins, line numbering, page size, and font. Following the applicable format rules ensures the transcript is accepted for filing and is readable on appeal.

The convention of numbering each transcript page and each line of text so that testimony can be cited precisely. Attorneys and courts refer to page and line numbers when quoting the record.

The general trial court of original jurisdiction in Louisiana, organized by judicial district. Most felony, civil, and family matters begin there, and reporters frequently work in these courtrooms.

The intermediate appellate courts that review trial court decisions for legal error. They generally work from the written record, making accurate transcripts essential to appellate review.

The highest court in Louisiana, with final authority over state law and supervision of the judicial system. It also sets rules governing court reporters and the practice of law in the state.

Louisiana's legal tradition, derived largely from French and Spanish sources and codified in civil codes rather than relying primarily on case law. Reporters should expect terminology and procedures that differ from common-law states.

The codified body of private law governing persons, property, obligations, and related matters in Louisiana. Its articles are cited in civil proceedings, and reporters should recognize common citation forms.

The ethical duty to keep information learned during reporting from unauthorized disclosure. Reporters should not discuss case details publicly and should follow court orders on sealed or sensitive matters.

The ethical obligation to remain neutral and avoid favoring any party in a proceeding. Reporters should not alter the record to help or harm a party and should disclose any relationship that could affect neutrality.

A situation in which a reporter's personal, financial, or professional ties could improperly influence their work. Reporters should disclose potential conflicts and may need to decline an assignment.