| On television shows, court reporters are always | | | | stenographer can take public speakers and individual |
| depicted as the person taking down testimony in a | | | | statements and incorporate them into a written record |
| court trial. While legal testimony is one forum where | | | | of the hearing. |
| they are found, they also provide verbatim transcription | | | | Meetings |
| of many other types of proceedings that have nothing | | | | Official board meetings for corporations, such as |
| to do with a courtroom. Also called stenographers or | | | | banks and condominium associations frequently have |
| court stenographers, they are capable of recording all | | | | clauses in their bylaws requiring a professional, certified |
| different types of conversations and hearings as well. | | | | transcription of meetings. Court reporting companies |
| They use a stenograph machine to take down | | | | often provide this service. |
| everything that is said syllable by syllable. They later | | | | CART |
| transform this into a written record of words, | | | | Hearing impaired people serve as witnesses and |
| sentences and paragraphs. Each speaker is identified | | | | parties to legal cases. They may also be students in |
| and what they say is incorporated into a booklet with | | | | class at a state university or a family in church. A |
| numbered lines on each page for easy reference. As | | | | Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) |
| long as only one person speaks at a time, they are | | | | reporter can provide written translations of what is |
| capable of recording proceedings with multiple | | | | being said in the room so that the hearing impaired |
| witnesses and speakers. | | | | individual or individuals can read it on a screen as it is |
| Conventions | | | | happening. This enables active participation in events |
| Different groups and organizations hold regional and | | | | that were once full of obstacles. |
| national conventions every year or even biannually. | | | | Insurance Agencies |
| They like to have a record of everything that was said | | | | When insurance companies need more information |
| so that they can reference it later. It is also helpful for | | | | from the person filing a claim, they may send an |
| those that were not present that would like to see | | | | investigator to ask questions. This can be done under |
| what transpired in their absence. The conventions | | | | oath or not, depending on the situation. Stenographers |
| include anything from banquets with speakers to | | | | will take down everything that is said so that the |
| breakout sessions and seminars, awards ceremonies, | | | | agency can have a clear record of questions and |
| memorial services and business meetings. | | | | answers. Insurance companies will often require a |
| Public Hearings | | | | policyholder to participate. If they do not appear, their |
| Local, state and federal agencies sometimes conduct | | | | claim for damages will be denied. The claim may be |
| public hearings to find out what the general opinion is of | | | | approved or denied based on what is said in the |
| those who may be affected by legislation or other | | | | examination. |
| decisions. Citizens are invited to attend. The court | | | | |