Realtime Depositions
Want real-world speech recognition? Forget impressive but impractical products voice recognition products. Realtime reporting combines the time-tested transcription accuracy of court reporters with the cutting-edge ability to see speech as soon as you hear it. And this technology doesn't require the latest computer hardware or extensive training. All that's required to use realtime at your next deposition is a qualified court reporter.
In a typical setup, the court reporter's stenographic keyboard is connected to the reporter's notebook computer, which runs a realtime software program that translates the stenographic symbols into words. Lawyers and judges can connect to this computer (either with a serial cable or via the Internet) and receive a rolling transcript that keeps pace with the actual testimony. The results are similar to closed-caption text on television, except that the realtime transcripts are interactive. Not only can lawyers view the testimony seconds after it is given, but they can also mark and annotate key sections for later use.
Realtime gives litigators several advantages. Since the word-for-word testimony is displayed on a computer screen, lawyers can concentrate more on substantive testimony and less on capturing what was just said. These programs also have the ability to incorporate attorney notes within the transcript. For example, to flag testimony, a press of the space bar inserts a "quick mark" for later reference. This action can be taken by the lawyer unobtrusively and without breaking his or her train of thought. The transcripts can also be annotated or coded on the fly, but this is difficult to do while questioning a witness.
Examining attorneys can also instantly review witness responses to verify that the desired testimony has been elicited. Likewise, defending attorneys can closely monitor questions for potential objections and mark key testimony for later cross-examination. And at the end of the day, lawyers walk away with a "rough" draft of the transcript that helps prepare them for tomorrow's deposition or court session.