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About the Officials Community Click here for the Official Reporters Member Directory Database Click here to view the members of the ICRA Officials Committee. Click here to view the ICRA Official Survey. Have you ever wondered who that person is in the courtroom whose job just intrigues you and you wonder how they do it, taking down each and every word spoken? Well, it’s the Official Reporter.
The duty of the Official Reporter is to make a verbatim record of the courtroom proceedings. The Official Reporter needs to be knowledgeable about courtroom procedures, legal terminology and up to date with technology, as realtime translation is becoming more and more prevalent.
When requested, Officials prepare transcripts in accordance with the Iowa Code. They are sometimes requested to provide realtime translation for the judge and the attorneys, and sometimes even for the deaf or hard of hearing. Some attorneys may also request daily copy be provided. Each Official Reporter needs to be familiar with their computer software as to be able to offer these services to the parties and to the public.
The Official Reporter keeps control of the courtroom proceedings and is usually the Judge’s right hand. There are numerous other tasks that are completed by the Officials along with making the verbatim record. The parties rely on the Official Reporters to make sure exhibits are marked and kept track of, instructions, etc. The job of the Official Reporter is one that cannot be replaced. They are, for example, the CEO of the courtroom; and without them, the record would be at risk. Official Reporters are the Guardians of the Record.
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