What is the main role of a court reporter?

The main role of a court reporter is to capture and preserve the verbatim record of proceedings. This involves accurately transcribing everything that is said during court sessions, including dialogue from judges, attorneys, and witnesses. The verbatim record serves as an official document for legal proceedings, which can be referenced in appeals and is essential for ensuring an accurate account of what occurred during the trial or hearing.

Court reporters utilize specialized equipment, such as stenographic machines or digital recording devices, to create these transcripts, ensuring that every word is recorded without bias. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process, providing a reliable and permanent record of events that can be reviewed if necessary. The ability to produce this precise documentation is fundamental to a court reporter's responsibilities and is central to their contribution to the legal system.