NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

The Stenograph shorthand system is the most commonly used method in court reporting because it allows for rapid transcription of spoken language using a specialized machine that incorporates multiple keys, enabling the reporter to capture whole phrases and sentences simultaneously. This efficiency is crucial in legal settings where precise and immediate transcription of dialogue is necessary during trials or depositions.

Stenography focuses on phonetics and the unique arrangement of keys that allows users to write in real-time at high speeds, typically exceeding 200 words per minute. The design of Stenograph machines helps reporters translate sounds into symbols, which they can later translate into written text.

Other shorthand systems, while effective in different contexts, do not match the combination of speed and accuracy required in court reporting. For instance, the Gregg system and the Pitman system are both well-known, but they rely on writing by hand rather than using a machine, making them less practical for real-time courtroom situations. Teeline shorthand, while popular in journalism, does not facilitate the same rapid transcription needed during court proceedings. Thus, the Stenograph shorthand system stands out as the preferred choice for court reporters.