RDR Registered Diplomate Reporter flashcards

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

Realtime translation

The instant conversion of stenographic keystrokes into displayed text using a reporter's dictionary; undefined strokes appear as untranslated steno until entries are added.

Job dictionary

A case-specific steno dictionary layered over the reporter's main dictionary; it stores unique names, terms, and outlines for one assignment and is usually not merged permanently.

Audio timestamp

A marker linking a transcript line to a specific point in the recording; consistent timestamps across devices let a transcriber jump to and verify disputed testimony.

3-2-1 backup rule

Keep at least three copies of files on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite; this protects transcripts and audio from device failure, theft, or site loss.

Non-proprietary export

Saving transcript text in a plain or widely readable format such as TXT or RTF so it remains accessible without the original software; retain the native file as well.

Encryption at rest

Encoding stored files so they cannot be read without a key; it protects confidential testimony and medical information if a drive or backup is lost or stolen.

Certified transcript

A transcript signed by the reporter certifying it is a true and accurate record of the proceeding; later substantive changes require a documented correction process rather than silent editing.

Global search verification

Using a word or phrase search across a transcript to locate every occurrence for consistency and audio checking; it catches spelling, name, and number errors that reading alone may miss.

Subject-verb agreement

The verb matches the subject's number, ignoring interrupting phrases; compound subjects joined by and take a plural verb, while or/nor usually agree with the nearer subject.

Who versus whom

Use who for the subject of a clause and whom for the object; substituting he or him for the pronoun helps test the correct form in formal transcript English.

Restrictive that clause

A clause beginning with that identifies which noun is meant and takes no commas; a nonrestrictive which clause adds information and is set off by commas.

Semicolon use

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction and separates list items that already contain commas; it never joins a clause to a sentence fragment.

Colon introduction

A colon follows a complete independent clause to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation; it should not separate a verb or preposition from its object.

Possessive apostrophe

Singular nouns add apostrophe s; plural nouns ending in s add only an apostrophe; it's means it is, while its shows possession without an apostrophe.

Hyphen compound modifier

Hyphenate a compound modifier before a noun when it acts as a unit, as in well-known case; do not hyphenate after an -ly adverb or when the modifier follows the noun.

Affect versus effect

Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning result. In formal writing, verify the word's role in the sentence before choosing.

Plaintiff and defendant

The plaintiff initiates a civil lawsuit and seeks relief; the defendant is the party against whom the claim is brought and who responds to the allegations.

Appellant and appellee

The appellant brings an appeal from a lower court decision; the appellee is the opposing party who defends the judgment on appeal.

Voir dire

Jury selection questioning in which the court and attorneys examine prospective jurors for bias or inability to serve fairly; the term also refers to a preliminary examination of a witness.

Prima facie

At first sight or on the face of it; a prima facie case presents enough evidence to proceed unless rebutted by the opposing party.

Deponent and affiant

A deponent gives testimony in a deposition, while an affiant signs a sworn written statement called an affidavit; both have made sworn statements.

Myocardial infarction

Death of heart muscle caused by blocked blood flow, commonly called a heart attack; it may cause chest pain, dyspnea, nausea, and abnormal ECG findings.

Bradycardia and tachycardia

Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, generally under 60 beats per minute in adults; tachycardia is a fast rate, generally over 100 beats per minute at rest.

Proximal and distal

Proximal means nearer to the point of attachment or center of the body; distal means farther away, as in the distal end of a limb.

Reporter confidentiality

A reporter must not disclose testimony, exhibits, or case information except as authorized by law, court order, or the parties; avoid discussing identifiable cases in public.

Impartiality

The reporter records all speakers accurately regardless of personal views and avoids editing testimony to favor one side; advocacy or bias undermines the record's credibility.

Conflict of interest

A personal, financial, or professional interest that could compromise objectivity or confidentiality; disclose it promptly and decline or withdraw if it cannot be managed.

Errata sheet

A formal list of corrections made by a deponent after reviewing the transcript; the reporter incorporates approved changes and preserves the original record rather than altering testimony silently.

Fee disclosure

Charges for reporting, transcription, expediting, and copies should be quoted or itemized in advance; contingent fees or undisclosed markups create ethical and business risks.

Retention policy

A written schedule for keeping notes, audio, and transcripts based on contract, court rules, and statutes; it should specify storage security, access, and destruction methods.

Independent contractor

A reporter who contracts with agencies or clients, controls the work method, and supplies equipment; tax and benefit obligations differ from those of an employee.

Protected health information

Individually identifiable health information held by covered entities; reporters handling it should use secure transmission, limited access, and safeguards required by applicable law and agreements.