NM Court Reporter key terms

A phonetic writing system in which a court reporter presses multiple keys at once to record spoken syllables as brief symbol combinations, later translated into full English text.

A compact keyboard device with a limited number of keys and no separate letter keys; reporters press key combinations to capture syllables, and the machine stores the strokes electronically.

The immediate conversion of stenographic strokes into readable text on a screen as testimony is spoken, requiring a large, well-maintained personal dictionary and consistent writing habits.

The ongoing process of adding, correcting, and organizing entries in a reporter's translation software so that steno strokes translate accurately into the intended words, names, and phrases.

A case-specific list of names, technical terms, and unusual words created before or during a proceeding and loaded into the translation software to improve accuracy for that assignment.

The raw stenographic record produced on the machine or stored electronically; notes must be preserved because they are the primary source for preparing the certified transcript.

A live feed of the reporter's translated text sent to attorneys or a judge during a proceeding, often over a network connection, so participants can read testimony as it is given.

A rough, uncorrected version of the live feed or notes that has not been proofread or certified; it may contain mistranslations and is not the official record.

The final written record that the reporter has proofread, formatted, and signed under oath, affirming it is a true and accurate rendering of the proceedings.

The final page of a transcript where the reporter certifies accuracy and states whether the proceeding was taken in person or remotely, along with any relevant qualifications or conditions.

The reporter's signed attestation on the certificate page that the transcript is a true record; signing carries legal weight and should occur only after complete review.

The first page of a transcript identifying the court, case caption, parties, hearing type, date, location, and presiding judicial officer, formatted according to local rules.

A transcript page listing the attorneys, parties, and other participants present, with their roles and whom they represent, so readers can identify speakers throughout the record.

A table of contents in a transcript showing page numbers for each witness, exhibit, or proceeding segment, allowing readers to locate testimony quickly.

The practice of labeling each spoken passage with the correct speaker, such as THE COURT, MR. SMITH, or THE WITNESS, using consistent capitalization and formatting conventions.

Dialogue or exchange among participants in a proceeding, including questions, answers, objections, and sidebar discussions, all of which must be captured in the record.

A statement by the judge or parties that discussion is not to be included in the official record; the reporter notes the change and resumes recording when the proceeding returns on the record.

The status of proceedings being officially captured for the transcript, typically announced by the judge, so that all subsequent statements are part of the formal record.

The reporter's oral repetition of earlier testimony from the stenographic notes or screen at a judge's or attorney's request, used to resolve disputes about what a witness said.

The process of assigning identifying numbers or letters to documents and objects introduced as evidence, with the reporter recording the markings and any related rulings.

A transcript section or attachment enumerating each exhibit by number, description, and the party that introduced it, often showing whether it was admitted or refused.

Jury selection questioning, or in some contexts a preliminary examination of a witness's qualifications; reporters must accurately capture the often rapid exchanges and challenges during this phase.

A private discussion between the judge and attorneys at the bench, outside the jury's hearing; it is usually recorded, and reporters must capture it accurately despite overlapping speech.

The opportunity given to a convicted defendant to address the court before sentencing; reporters must accurately capture this statement because it becomes part of the sentencing record.

A proceeding in which the court imposes punishment after conviction, including statements by parties, victim impact statements, and the judge's findings and pronouncement.

Sworn out-of-court testimony taken before trial, usually by an attorney, with a reporter administering the oath and recording questions, answers, objections, and exhibits.

The act of formally swearing or affirming a witness to tell the truth before testimony; the reporter typically administers it and records the exact wording used.

A party's formal challenge to a question or evidence, often followed by a ruling of sustained or overruled; both the objection and the ruling must appear verbatim in the transcript.

A description of testimony or an exhibit that the judge has ordered removed from consideration; the record preserves the stricken material while noting the ruling.

A judge's warning or instruction to the jury or a participant, such as to disregard a statement; reporters must capture its exact wording because of its legal effect.

The ethical duty to protect information learned during reporting duties, including sealed proceedings, grand jury matters, and private party information, from unauthorized disclosure.

A hearing or portion of a record closed to the public by court order; the reporter must protect the sealed material and release it only as the order permits.

A secret proceeding in which jurors review evidence to decide whether to indict; reporters are bound by strict secrecy rules and may not disclose testimony or deliberations.

A situation in which a reporter's personal or financial interest could compromise impartiality, such as reporting for a party with whom the reporter has a close relationship.

The ethical obligation to remain neutral and free from bias toward any party, avoiding actions or comments that could favor one side in a proceeding.

The practice of storing notes, audio backups, and transcripts for the period required by court rules or statute, ensuring the record can be reconstructed if challenged.

The careful review of a draft transcript against notes or audio to correct mistranslations, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors before certification.