NV Court Reporter key terms

Reading aloud of prepared text, such as contracts or letters, at a measured pace so the reporter can capture exact wording; often tested at speeds slower than testimony.

The judge's reading of jury instructions into the record, requiring exact capture of legal phrasing, statutory citations, and numbered paragraphs that are later read back verbatim.

The pace of question-and-answer examination, typically ranging from 180 to 225 words per minute, at which a reporter must sustain realtime accuracy while speakers overlap or interrupt.

Writing stenotype notes that are translated by computer and displayed instantly, used for CART, captioning, and instant visual display in courtrooms and remote proceedings.

A chorded keyboard device on which the reporter presses multiple keys at once to produce phonetic syllables, later translated into English text by software or by the reporter's editing.

The post-hearing process of editing a raw translation into a readable transcript, fixing mistranslated strokes, punctuation, speaker labels, and formatting before certification.

The on-the-record repetition of prior testimony or instructions at a judge's or attorney's request, which the reporter must locate quickly and read accurately without altering the original words.

Labeling each speaker in a transcript, such as THE COURT, MR. SMITH, or THE WITNESS, consistently and in the format the court or jurisdiction requires.

The certified written record of out-of-court sworn testimony, formatted with a title page, index, line numbers, and a certificate page signed by the reporter.

A form on which a deponent lists corrections to the transcript, with page and line references and reasons, which the reporter attaches to the certified original.

The reporter's signed statement that the transcript is a true and accurate record of the proceedings, usually placed on a final page with the date and reporter's signature.

Careful comparison of the edited transcript against notes, exhibits, and spellings to catch errors in names, numbers, punctuation, and formatting before certification and delivery.

Transcript layout with numbered lines in fixed columns and a page number at the top, allowing attorneys to cite testimony precisely as page and line during trial and appeal.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, as in 'the records are sealed' versus 'the record is sealed,' a frequent trap with collective nouns and intervening phrases.

The clarity of the noun a pronoun points to; ambiguous references such as 'he told him' in multi-party testimony must be resolved or the transcript becomes misleading.

A phrase that does not logically attach to the word it modifies, as in 'Having been sworn, the testimony began,' which must be corrected or quoted exactly as spoken.

A word that sounds like another but differs in meaning and spelling, such as 'council' and 'counsel' or 'waiver' and 'waver,' requiring context-based judgment during scoping.

Recording speech exactly as uttered, including false starts, repetitions, and grammatical errors, without cleaning up or paraphrasing the speaker's words.

The questioning of prospective jurors to test their qualifications and bias, or in some jurisdictions the questioning of a witness to test expert qualification, both of which the reporter records in full.

A party's objection-free removal of a limited number of prospective jurors, as distinguished from a challenge for cause, which requires the judge's approval.

An off-the-record or on-the-record conference at the bench between the judge and attorneys, outside the jury's hearing, which may or may not be transcribed depending on the judge's order.

A judge's private examination of evidence or documents, often in chambers and outside the parties' presence, to decide whether material must be disclosed.

A court order restricting public access to specified records or transcript portions, which the reporter must honor by sealing or redacting the designated material.

The reporter's duty not to disclose testimony, exhibits, or case information learned in the course of work except as authorized by law, court order, or the parties.

The obligation to record all parties' words and proceedings evenhandedly, without favoring a side, altering statements, or letting personal relationships affect the record.

A situation in which the reporter's personal, financial, or family ties to a party, attorney, or witness could compromise neutrality, requiring disclosure and possible disqualification.

Contact between the judge and one party or attorney outside the other side's presence; a reporter who witnesses or is asked to facilitate such contact must be alert to ethical and procedural concerns.

A reporter holding certification under Nevada law, authorized to make the official record of proceedings in Nevada courts and subject to continuing education and renewal requirements.

A mandated number of approved instructional hours a certified reporter must complete each renewal period to maintain certification and stay current on law and technology.

The sworn pledge a reporter takes before performing official duties, binding the reporter to faithfully and accurately record proceedings and to uphold applicable law.

State authority to administer oaths and certify documents, often held by reporters to swear deponents and certify deposition transcripts where permitted.

The schedule and rules governing how long a reporter keeps notes, audio backups, and transcripts, and the permitted methods for their secure destruction after the period ends.

The rates a reporter may charge for original transcripts, copies, expedited delivery, and ancillary services, which must be disclosed and applied consistently to all parties.

A synchronized sound recording made alongside stenographic notes to assist in producing an accurate transcript and resolving disputed passages later.

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible unless an exception applies; reporters must capture objections and rulings precisely.

The preliminary testimony establishing that a witness has personal knowledge or that an exhibit is authentic and reliable before the evidence may be admitted.

The formal numbering and identification of documents or objects introduced at trial, which the reporter must note accurately each time an exhibit is marked, offered, or admitted.

A party's formal challenge to evidence or questioning, often followed by a stated ground and the court's ruling, all of which must appear verbatim in the record.