What’s A Transcript?: Some Common Q&A’s about the Court Reporting Process
If you aren’t a lawyer, paralegal or other legal professional, the chance that you have interacted with a court reporter or reporting service is minimal. If you do have to engage with a court reporter, there are certain questions that are bound to be in one’s mind. With that in mind, On the Record Reporting Services has compiled the following list of commonly asked questions to help introduce this oft-unknown area of litigation and legal services.
How Do I Order a Transcript or Arrange for a Court Reporter?
Whether as part of a examination, questioning or judicial proceedings, transcripts are to be ordered directly from the transcriptionist. For transcripts of proceedings compiled by On the Record, please contact us at (289) 638-2020 or info@OTR.report.
Why Do I Need a Transcript?
The importance of a quality transcript cannot be overstated. Simply stated, a transcript is the best means of proving that a certain utterance was made during legal proceedings. Without a transcript, one will have to rely on their own recollection, which most likely will not be given the same weight as a transcript by a judge. As well, statistically speaking, a large number of litigation files settle after the discovery phase. To ensure that you are in the best position to receive a fair settlement, it is important to ensure that there is a good record of the facts that support your case, including the oral evidence given on the record.
How Much Do Transcripts Cost?
Individual court reporting offices will vary the prices charged for transcripts and the prices will vary depending upon: the type of services requested, the number of parties involved, the required delivery date of the transcripts ordered and the form of the transcript required. Also, certain offices provide “real time” reporting services which may have higher fee schedules.
How Do I Choose a Court Reporter or Transcription Services?
While technically anyone with a recording device and a word-processing program could transcribe legal proceedings, this is a dangerous proposition. To better regulate the profession of reporters, the Ontario Government has established the List of Authorized Court Transcriptionists for Ontario. To become an Authorized Court Transcriptionist, one has to complete a prescribed diploma program at a recognized college. This is the gold-standard for transcriptionists in Ontario. One seeking transcription services should always choose a transcriptionist who bears this designation.