RMR Registered Merit Reporter key terms

A specialized keyboard device used by court reporters that records spoken words as phonetic chorded strokes, which are later translated into text by computer software.

Software that converts stenographic strokes into written English using a personal dictionary, enabling reporters to edit, format, and deliver transcripts efficiently.

The immediate conversion of a reporter's stenographic input into readable text displayed on screens during a proceeding, requiring a well-maintained dictionary and fast, accurate writing.

A reporter-created file of specialized words, names, and phrases with assigned stroke combinations that supplements the main dictionary so unique terms translate correctly.

An assistant who reviews and edits a court reporter's rough draft for punctuation, spelling, and format before the reporter certifies the final transcript.

An unedited transcript produced directly from a reporter's stenographic notes, often containing untranslated strokes or errors, which must be reviewed before certification.

Linking a digital audio recording to specific locations in a transcript so that clicking a text segment plays the corresponding spoken words.

An electronic system that captures courtroom proceedings as sound files, often used as a backup to stenographic reporting or in place of it.

The standardized layout of a transcript, including margins, line numbering, headers, and page breaks, that allows consistent citation by parties and courts.

Reporting a proceeding from a location other than the courtroom using internet connections and videoconferencing, while maintaining realtime text and audio access.

The grammatical rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, so singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.

A verb form used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, or demands, as in 'if I were' or 'the court ordered that he appear.'

A dependent clause that identifies which person or thing is meant and is essential to the sentence's meaning, so it is not set off by commas.

A dependent clause that adds extra, nonessential information about a noun and is separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.

The comma placed before the coordinating conjunction in a list of three or more items, as in 'red, white, and blue.'

A punctuation mark used to join closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list, especially when items contain internal commas.

The use of hyphens to join two or more words that together modify a noun, as in 'well-known author,' when they precede the noun.

A punctuation mark used to show possession, to indicate omitted letters in contractions, or occasionally to form certain plurals in written English.

A series of spaced dots indicating that words have been omitted from a quotation or that a statement trails off unfinished.

A word or phrase that is intended to modify a particular element but is positioned so that it appears to modify the wrong one.

The use of matching grammatical forms for elements in a list or comparison, which improves clarity and readability in transcripts and legal writing.

A grammatical distinction in pronouns such as 'who' versus 'whom,' where the form changes according to whether the pronoun acts as a subject or an object.

A pretrial discovery proceeding in which a witness answers sworn questions outside court, recorded by a court reporter for later use.

A written question submitted by one party to another during discovery that must be answered under oath within a set time.

A written statement of facts sworn to or affirmed before a person authorized to administer oaths, such as a notary public.

A court order compelling a person to appear at a proceeding, produce documents, or both, often used to require a reporter's presence or records.

The process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their qualifications and impartiality, or a hearing on the admissibility of evidence outside the jury's presence.

An agreement between opposing parties on a fact or procedure, often stated on the record and binding once accepted by the court.

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible unless an exception applies.

A legal rule protecting confidential communications between a client and attorney from disclosure, which reporters must respect when such discussions occur.

A pretrial motion asking the court to exclude or limit certain evidence before it is presented to the jury.

A document, object, or other item marked for identification and offered as evidence during a proceeding; reporters record exhibit markings in the transcript.

On the record means statements are being recorded for the transcript; off the record means recording is paused by agreement and the statements will not appear.

The ethical duty to protect information learned during reporting from unauthorized disclosure, except as required by law or court order.

The requirement that a reporter remain neutral and unbiased, recording all parties' statements accurately without favoring any side.

A situation where a reporter's personal, financial, or professional interests could improperly influence their work, which should be disclosed and avoided.

A fixed daily fee charged for reporting services, usually covering attendance for a full day and separate from transcript page rates and other charges.

A reporter's signed statement that a transcript is a true and accurate record of the proceeding, based on review of notes and audio.

Giving legal advice or performing legal services without a license, which reporters must avoid even when asked for guidance by parties.

Policies and legal requirements governing how long notes, audio files, and transcripts must be kept before destruction, often set by statute or contract.