Court reporting in Alaska follows similar procedures to those in other US states, but there are some unique aspects that make it a bit different. Here are some insights into court reporting in Alaska:
Stenography
In Alaska, most court reporting is done using stenography, which involves using a special machine to record the proceedings. The stenographer types shorthand on the machine, which is then translated into English using special software.
Certification
Court reporters in Alaska must be certified by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). These certifications ensure that the court reporter has the necessary skills and training to accurately record court proceedings.
Remote Proceedings
In Alaska, remote proceedings have become more common since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Court reporters may be required to participate in these remote proceedings, which can present their own set of challenges.
Interpreters: In Alaska, court reporters may work with interpreters if the witness or defendant speaks a language other than English. The interpreter will translate what is being said into English for the court reporter to record.
Electronic Recording
While stenography is the primary method of court reporting in Alaska, some courts may use electronic recording systems as an alternative. However, electronic recording is generally less reliable and less accurate than stenography.
Transcript Delivery
Once the court reporter has completed the transcript, it must be delivered to the appropriate parties. In Alaska, transcripts may be delivered electronically or in hard copy, depending on the preferences of the parties involved.
Overall, court reporting in Alaska is similar to court reporting in other states, but there are some unique aspects that court reporters must be aware of. Certification, remote proceedings, and working with interpreters are all important considerations for court reporters in Alaska.
Requirements to Become a Court Reporter in Alaska
To become a court reporter in Alaska, there are several requirements that must be met. These requirements are as follows:
Education
A court reporter in Alaska must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they must have completed a court reporting program at an accredited institution.
Certification
As mentioned previously, court reporters in Alaska must be certified by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). To become certified, a court reporter must pass a certification exam that tests their knowledge of court reporting procedures, shorthand, and transcription.
Licensure
Court reporters in Alaska are also required to be licensed by the state. To obtain a license, a court reporter must provide proof of certification and complete an application process.
Continuing Education
Court reporters in Alaska are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license. This ensures that court reporters stay up to date with the latest technology and procedures in the field.
Skills
Court reporters must have excellent typing and listening skills, as well as a strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures. They must be able to accurately transcribe court proceedings in real-time, without missing any details.
Equipment
Court reporters in Alaska must have their own equipment, including a stenography machine, computer, and software for transcribing and editing transcripts.
In summary, to become a court reporter in Alaska, one must complete a court reporting program, obtain certification from the NCRA or AAERT, obtain a state license, and continue their education to maintain their license. Additionally, court reporters must have excellent skills in typing, listening, and legal terminology, as well as their own equipment.
Court Reporters Salary in Alaska
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary of court reporters and simultaneous captioners in the US was $60,380 in the year 2021.