RMR Registered Merit Reporter flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- CAT
- Computer-aided transcription uses software to convert stenotype machine shorthand into text through a reporter-maintained dictionary and editing tools.
- Untranslate
- A stenographic stroke or phrase that computer-aided transcription software cannot match to a dictionary entry, displayed as a conflict or raw stroke for reporter resolution.
- Job dictionary
- A case-specific computer-aided transcription dictionary containing names, terms, and phrases likely to occur in a proceeding, used alongside the main dictionary.
- Real-time feed
- A live text stream sent from computer-aided transcription software to attorneys or captioning displays; accuracy depends on dictionary depth, writer skill, and network stability.
- Backup audio
- A synchronized audio recording of a proceeding used to verify unclear testimony and support transcript accuracy; it supplements rather than replaces stenographic notes.
- Speaker identification
- Assigning consistent labels to each speaker in a transcript so readers can track dialogue; label changes should be documented and auditable.
- Proofreading pass
- A review of a draft transcript for untranslates, punctuation, speaker labels, and formatting before final certification; separate from dictionary building.
- ASCII transcript
- A plain-text transcript format containing characters and basic line breaks without formatting; useful for portability but not for layout-dependent documents.
- Subject-verb agreement
- The verb must agree in number with its subject, not with a noun in a prepositional phrase or parenthetical interrupting the subject and verb.
- Who versus whom
- Use who for a subject and whom for an object; substitute he or him to test which form fits the sentence.
- Restrictive clause
- A clause essential to the meaning of the sentence; it is not set off by commas and usually begins with that or who.
- Nonrestrictive clause
- A clause that adds nonessential information about an already identified noun; it is set off by commas and often begins with which.
- Semicolon use
- A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction or separates complex series items containing internal commas.
- It's versus its
- It's is a contraction of it is or it has; its is a possessive pronoun and takes no apostrophe.
- Affect versus effect
- Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning result, though effect can be a verb meaning to bring about.
- Em dash use
- An em dash marks an abrupt break, an explanatory aside, or an interruption in dialogue; it is longer than an en dash, which marks ranges.
- Plaintiff
- The party who initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint or petition and seeks a legal remedy from the defendant.
- Deposition
- Sworn out-of-court testimony recorded by a court reporter, used in discovery and possibly at trial to impeach or preserve testimony.
- Subpoena duces tecum
- A court order commanding a person to produce specified documents or evidence at a designated time and place.
- Motion in limine
- A pretrial request asking the judge to rule on the admissibility of evidence before it is offered in front of the jury.
- Sustained objection
- A judge's ruling that an objection is valid, so the question or evidence is disallowed and the witness is not required to answer.
- Overruled objection
- A judge's ruling that an objection is invalid, allowing the question or evidence to proceed and the witness to answer.
- Pro se litigant
- A person who represents himself or herself in a legal proceeding without a licensed attorney.
- Voir dire
- A preliminary examination of prospective jurors or witnesses; in jury selection it tests bias, and for experts it tests qualification.
- Court reporter neutrality
- A court reporter serves as an impartial officer of the court, recording proceedings accurately without advocacy for any party.
- Transcript integrity
- The official record must reflect what was said and done; corrections should be documented through errata or court order, not silent alteration.
- Confidentiality duty
- A reporter should not disclose testimony or case information outside authorized persons, except as required by law or court order.
- Conflict of interest
- A circumstance in which a reporter's personal, financial, or professional relationship could compromise impartiality; it should be disclosed and avoided.
- Contingent compensation
- Payment tied to the outcome of a case or content of testimony; such arrangements are generally inappropriate because they threaten reporter independence.
- Record retention
- Keeping stenographic notes, audio, and transcripts for the period required by statute, court rule, or contract, in a secure location.
- Competence requirement
- A reporter should accept assignments only when qualified to produce an accurate record, and should arrange a qualified substitute if unable.
- Misleading advertising
- Promotional statements about reporting services must be truthful and not exaggerate qualifications, speed, or accuracy in ways that could deceive clients.