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Criminal Justice
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Court Reporter
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Court Reporter Job Description
A court reported is needed to keep record of the dealings that take place during a court session. The reporter is responsible to write down every "official" word spoken in court. It is important that reporters be able to work quickly, as not to miss what is being said. Court reporters are commonly able to record up to 200 words per minute.
B.S. in Court Reporting
The record taken during a court proceeding is the foundation for all appeals taken to appellate courts. Lawyers attempting to appeal their case, base their arguments on the exact statements made during the trial court. The appeals court justices then use the transcripts taken during the trial courts, as well as the argument made for an appeal to write their opinions. Therefore, it is easy to note how critically important it is to have accurate court reporters in order to maintain an effective judicial system.
In addition to taking accurate records during court trials, court reporters may also be asked to record interrogatories, depositions, and other aspects of pretrial proceedings. For example, court reporters are often called upon to take note of the things being said during a public hearing. Out of the 60,000 court reporters currently employed in the U.S. approximately 90% use computers or computer aided transcription, also known as CAT. Through such a system the stenotype machine is linked to a computer which then converts the reporter's notes into a more readable print.
Educational and Training Requirements
Attendance at a court-reporting school or similar program, offered through various community colleges or universities, is required in order to become a court reporter. Depending on the type of certificate or degree available, these programs can take anywhere from two to four years to complete.
Court-reporting programs teach students the language of court-reporting, and instruct them on how to use the court-reporting machine, or stenotype. The core of the curriculum is made up of various classes in computers, law, keyboarding, medical terminology, and English.
Special Skills
For those interested in attending court-reporting school, an excellent command of the English language, strong typing and keyboarding skills, good hearing, and a general knowledge of computers are key. Because this job requires an ability to sit still and concentrate for extended periods of time, persons interested in this career must also be very good listeners.
Salary and Benefits
Court reports can work freelance for different businesses, work exclusively for the courts, or, if they choose, do both. Annual starting salaries for court reports typically range between $20,000 and $25,000. In addition, benefits are available through most employers and include a retirement package and medical insurance. This profession requires great skill and is essential to the effectiveness of our court systems. Therefore, as a court reporter becomes more proficient, the amount of money he or she earns can radically increase. In fact, it is common for experienced court reporters, who have worked about 5 years, to earn a minimum of $50,000 per year.
Working Conditions
Most court reporters working for the courts work a 40-hour work week following the schedule of the court. However, in some cases, a court reporter may have to put in extra hours to meet specific deadlines.
Court reporters can work anywhere an official record is needed. They may work in law offices, public buildings such as legislatures and town halls, courts, or businesses.
Job Outlook for Court Reporters
As the number of criminal and civil cases rise, employment opportunities for court reports continue to be good. The job outlook for court reporters is projected to remain good through the year 2005, though advances in technology, including voice-activated transcription equipment, may eventually lessen the need for such employees. Work as a legal/medical transcriptionist, or in caption may also be available to those who have skills in court reporting.
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Top Criminal Justice Colleges
Associates in Crim. Just.
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Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University lets students take advantage of one of the fastest growing industries in the United States by providing accredited Criminal Justice degrees. Kaplan lectures and prepares students to pursue a career immediately after graduation.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
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University of Phoenix - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Providing students a comprehensive Criminal Justice education, University of Phoenix enables students to jump start their careers in Criminal Justice. University of Phoenix provides students the opportunity to obtain campus classes or learn from home.
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American InterContinental University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. American InterContinental University prepares students for careers in homeland security, paralegal work, and many other careers. American InterContinental University offers accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees at affordable prices.
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Westwood College - Bachelor's Degree. Westwood College, part of Westwood College Denver North teaching system, has an accredited Criminal Justice program. Westwood Colleges uses a hands on approach to teaching and brings in professionals in their field to teach each class.
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Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Graduates from Everest University in Criminal Justice will have career opportunities as correctional officers, counselors, and more. Everest University graduates will leave with an accredited Criminal Justice degree.
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Liberty University - Bachelor's Degree. Liberty University offers students a comprehensive Criminal Justice degree program taught by a well respected faculty that is highly rated by their peers. Liberty University allows students to earn their Criminal Justice degree entirely online.
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Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Virginia College Online provides students the ability to take Criminal Justice classes online for students seeking a degree in this specification. Students who successfully complete this degree have the opportunity to pursue careers in various Criminal Justice fields.
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Upper Iowa University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Upper Iowa University students Upper receive an education in Criminal Justice taught by exemplary professors based on what they learned in the field. This foundation lets students receive a hands on approach to their education. Students graduating from Upper Iowa University leave the chance to impact their profession immediately with a number of career opportunities.
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Ashford University - Bachelor's Degree. Students attending Ashford University will be surrounded by a support staff eager to help students in any way possible while they are in pursuit of their Criminal Justice degree. Ashford University provides a quality learning environment for students looking to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice.
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Lincoln College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Lincoln College provides students with a strong foundation for their careers in Criminal Justice. Their interactive and flexible programs allow students to learn about the exciting field of Criminal Justice anytime, anywhere.
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Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. As an accredited online university, Colorado Technical University's programs provide students with high-quality, career-focused curriculum. Students pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice will receive the skill set and knowledge necessary to become successful individuals.
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