AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

Which of the following is one of the four universal methods of court reporting?

1. The Court Monitor

2. The Voice Writer

3. The Digital Court Reporter

4. The Stenographic Reporter

The correct answer is: The Digital Court Reporter

The method of court reporting that stands out among the four universal methods is the stenographic reporter. This approach involves using a specialized machine called a stenotype, which allows the reporter to type spoken words at a high speed, capturing everything that is said during legal proceedings. This technique requires extensive training, as it relies on phonetics and the ability to recognize and transcribe multiple voices simultaneously. The stenographic method is known for its accuracy and efficiency in creating official transcripts of court proceedings, which is vital for legal records. It has been a staple in the court reporting industry for many years and retains a significant presence despite the emergence of other reporting methods. In contrast, while digital court reporting, voice writing, and the role of a court monitor are important and utilized in various situations, they are not universally accepted as one of the four foundational methods of court reporting. Digital court reporting leverages technology to record proceedings, voice writing involves speaking into a voice recognition software while using a microphone, and a court monitor can ensure the smooth flow of proceedings but does not engage in traditional reporting.