Frequently Asked Questions

1.     What sets Court Reporting Network apart from other court reporting firms?

We are glad you asked!  In one word, synergy.  Dividing the work normally done by one person into three separate steps allows the work to be done almost simultaneously, which allows us to get the transcript back to you sooner!

2.     Where is Court Reporting Network located?

Only the best province ever!  We are proud to offer our services in Alberta and Western Canada.  Our head office is located in Edmonton. 

3.     How can Court Reporting Network offer such quick delivery times?

Experience and efficiency.  Work smarter...not harder.  By sharing the workload between three people and using the most up-to-date software, we can complete transcripts from different locations at the same time.  

4.    How do I book a reporter?

To ensure all information is correct and that you receive a confirmation number, please fill out the Request A Reporter  form on the website. Of course, you can also email or call us to book a court reporter.

5.     How do I order a transcript?

The quickest, most efficient way to order an on-hold transcript is to fill out the Order a Transcript form on our website, but feel free to send us an email or give us a call.

6.      What types of video conferencing platforms do you use?

In short, we use them all!  Since March, when we went virtual for questionings, we have used Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, Bluejeans, Skype.  If there is a platform that you prefer and it is not on our list, please let us know and we would be happy to accomodate.

7.    Do you offer video/audio transcription?

Yes!  Click on the Request Video/Audio Transcription tab on our website and allow us to give you a quote based on your needs.

8.    Why do we ask you to upload the style of cause or statement of claim?

We are not trying to make your job harder; we promise!  When we have information beforehand, it allows us to be as prepared as we can be prior to attending your proceeding.  This also reduces the amount of time our scopists spend researching information.

Uploading past transcripts is also helpful as they already contain the style of cause and our reporters can be prepared with the different spellings and proceeding content.  The transcript also gives us information related to past undertakings and exhibits. 

9.     How is Court Reporting Network’s transcript layout different?

We want to give you the best product for the best price.  We have developed a PDF e-Transcript which includes bookmarks highlighting the undertakings and exhibits, and of course the whole transcript is completely searchable.  No need to pay for glossary index pages.

10.   How will I receive the transcript?

Court Reporting Network is doing its part by reducing the amount of paper that is printed.  While we are not “paperless,” we are trying to use less paper.   All transcripts will be emailed right to your inbox in a searchable, bookmarked PDF e-Transcript.  Of course if you require a paper transcript, we will print and deliver it to your office.

11.   Why would I choose Court Reporting Network for a trial where I need transcripts produced the same day over another court reporting firm in Edmonton?

Our reporters have experience in a variety of daily civil trials.  Not only will you receive a scoped and proofed transcript the same day just hours after the proceeding is finished, but we will also provide a “Court of Appeal ready” transcript at the end of the trial free of charge, if requested.  We have seen firsthand how important having the transcripts every day can be in a trial setting.

12.   Do you offer realtime or CART services?

Yes!  If you require these services, please email or call us to discuss pricing.

13.   Do you offer virtual or videoconference services?

At Court Reporting Network, we strive to meet all of your court reporting and transcript needs.  Please contact us to discuss your needs.

1.   What is court reporting?

We don’t need to tell you what court reporting is; you already know. Court Reporters are the people on TV court shows pretending to use the funny-looking machine under their chins… Just kidding!

Court reporters are highly-trained individuals who are taught several subjects in school such as English (punctuation and grammar), law courses, medical terminology, computer software training, and how to read and write shorthand on a steno machine. 

2.   How fast do you have to be to finish court reporting school?

Court reporting students complete speed tests at varying levels, and they graduate when they pass tests at the speed of 225 words a minute with a 95% accuracy rate.

(Fun Fact – Court reporters don’t call what they do “typing”; they call it “writing.”) 

3.   What kind of a machine do court reporters use?

The machines used by reporters are often referred to as a shorthand machine or steno writer.  They are a specialized chorded keyboard with only 22 keys.  Multiple keys are pressed simultaneously to write whole syllables, words, and phrases with a single hand motion.  Think of playing piano chords versus typing on a regular computer keyboard one letter at a time.

4.   What does a freelance court reporter do on the job?

On the job, court reporters write exactly what is being said by multiple people who talk at various speeds, accents, and volumes in proceedings such as a questioning, interview, meeting, hearing, or court trial. They are integral to the legal process. The record is essential to every party that attends these proceedings as well as the future of any case. 

5.   What other duties do court reporters do while on the job?

Court reporters are responsible for not only writing and recording what is being said, but court reporters are also a commissioner of oaths and swear in witnesses before proceedings, mark exhibits, confirm spellings of names and terms, and ensure everyone speaking is loud enough to be heard and that people don’t talk over each other.

6.   Is a court reporter finished their job after they are done writing it?

Oh, no!  A court reporter’s job doesn’t end there.  After the job is written, it is scoped, proofed, and a final transcript with exhibits and undertaking requests are laid out in an organized index. Transcripts that are produced by a court reporter are certified documents that ensure the accuracy of what was said by all parties in attendance.

7.   What is “scoping” and “proofing”?

Scoping means reading the transcript on a computer with the associated digital audio to ensure the court reporter captured every word spoken during the proceeding.  Scopists are responsible for typing in missed words, speakers, and filling in undertaking requests, exhibit descriptions, and may need to research spellings. 

Proofing is done after scoping, and this is where the transcript is printed out and read for punctuation.  They also ensure nothing was missed in the scoping process.  A court reporter is trained to do all three steps:  writing, scoping, and proofing.  There are also trained scopists and proofreaders that court reporters employ to help with the production of transcripts.

8.   Are court reporters scared that digital recorders and speak-to-text programs will take over their career?

NOT A CHANCE! Digital recorders definitely have a place in this industry, but it will never be the industry standard.  Digital recorders are used as a backup by all court reporters, and they are also used for meetings, interviews, and more casual proceedings.  They are also used in some courtrooms, and when a transcript is ordered, it is then transcribed by transcriptionists.  Court reporters are still present in courtrooms for select criminal and civil court trials.

9.   Why is having a live, certified court reporter important?

Imagine a room with several people in it.  The reporter makes each person a specific speaker identification in their dictionary so that every time they speak, the right name comes up.  They will also ensure to have only one speaker at a time.  Everybody speaks in a different volume, accent, speed, and having a court reporter in attendance allows them to ask people to speak up or repeat and also ask for clarifications or spellings.  There can also be a lot of background noise in a room full of people:  coughing, flipping pages, background talking.  This can be very hard to transcribe just from audio and may result having (indiscernible) or (inaudible) peppered throughout the transcript where the transcriptionist is unable to hear.  You will not get (indiscernible) or (inaudible) in a transcript with a live, certified reporter present.

A live court reporter is considered the guardian of the record.