MI Court Reporter flashcards

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

Michigan CSR certification

Certified shorthand reporter credential issued by the Michigan Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review; required to report proceedings in courts that mandate certified reporting.

CSR exam speed requirement

Michigan CSR candidates must transcribe testimony at 225 words per minute and literary material at 200 words per minute with at least 97 percent accuracy.

CSR exam components

The Michigan CSR examination includes a written knowledge test, a dictation and transcription speed test, and an accuracy component; all sections must be passed.

CSR eligibility requirements

Applicants must be at least 18, of good moral character, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent before taking the Michigan CSR examination.

Retaking failed CSR sections

A candidate who fails one section of the CSR exam may retake that section; passing scores on other sections are retained for a limited period set by the Board.

Continuing education renewal

Michigan certified shorthand reporters must complete continuing education hours each renewal cycle as set by the Board to maintain active certification.

Reciprocity for out-of-state reporters

Reporters certified in another state may obtain Michigan certification without re-examination if the Board finds that state's standards substantially equivalent.

Grounds for certification denial

Fraud in the application, felony conviction, or unprofessional conduct can justify denial, suspension, or revocation of Michigan CSR certification after notice and hearing.

Electronic recording limits

Audio recording may be used in some Michigan courts, but only a certified shorthand reporter may prepare the official transcript where certified reporting is required.

Board of Review authority

The Michigan Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review administers certification, investigates complaints, holds hearings, and imposes sanctions on certified reporters.

Application documentation

CSR applicants must submit proof of age, education, and good moral character, plus the required fee, before the Board will schedule the examination.

Certification number use

A certified shorthand reporter's certification number must appear on official transcripts and correspondence with the Board for identification and verification purposes.

Reporter's oath

A certified shorthand reporter swears to faithfully and impartially transcribe proceedings; the oath applies to every proceeding the reporter records.

Verbatim record duty

Reporters must capture all spoken words exactly and note non-verbal events such as exhibit markings, objections, and off-record discussions in the transcript.

Transcript certification

Each transcript must carry the reporter's certificate stating it is a true and correct transcription, with the reporter's name, certification number, and date.

Confidentiality obligation

Reporters may not disclose proceeding content or transcripts except as authorized by law, court order, or the parties; unauthorized disclosure is grounds for discipline.

Conflict of interest rule

A reporter may not report a proceeding in which the reporter or a family member is a party, counsel, or witness, and must disclose relationships affecting impartiality.

Complaint investigation process

The Board receives complaints, investigates allegations, and may hold a hearing before imposing sanctions ranging from reprimand to revocation of certification.

Due process in Board hearings

Reporters must receive written notice of charges, an opportunity to respond, and a hearing before sanctions; Board decisions may be appealed.

Transcript delivery deadlines

Transcripts must be delivered within the time set by court rule or the ordering party's agreement; reporters must retain notes and recordings for the required period.

Post-certification corrections

A certified transcript may be corrected only through a documented correction process with notice to the court and parties; silent alteration is prohibited.

Sanctions available to Board

The Board may reprimand, suspend, or revoke a reporter's certification, or impose conditions, depending on the severity of the violation found.

Record retention period

Reporters must keep stenographic notes and recordings for the period required by Board rule so transcripts can be produced or verified later.

Reporter as officer of court

A certified shorthand reporter functions as an officer of the court, owing duties of accuracy, impartiality, and confidentiality to the court and parties.

Exhibit handling

Reporters mark and identify exhibits in the record, note the exhibit number and description, and preserve custody information in the transcript.

Pro se party reporting

When a party appears without counsel, the reporter must still produce a complete verbatim record and may not give legal advice to that party.

Off-record discussion

Statements made off the record must be noted as such in the transcript, and any agreement to go off record should be reflected in the record.

Interpreter-assisted proceedings

When an interpreter is used, the reporter records the interpreter's rendering and notes the interpreter's identity and oath in the transcript.

Sealed proceedings

In sealed or closed proceedings, the reporter must not release transcripts or information except as authorized by the sealing order or court.

Board continuing jurisdiction

The Board retains authority over certified reporters throughout their certification period, including review of renewal eligibility and complaints.

Transcript format standards

Transcripts must follow prescribed format rules covering page numbering, line numbering, speaker identification, and headers required by court rule.