The Unsung Hero of the Transcript: Why Court Reporter Log Notes Matter
If you've ever opened a transcript and immediately understood who was speaking, when breaks occurred, or what was marked as an exhibit, you likely have a court reporter’s log notes to thank. While they may not be the most glamorous part of the job, they are absolutely essential to creating a clear, complete, and accurate record.
At Access Transcripts, we rely on detailed, well-organized log notes to help us turn audio into transcripts that hold up under scrutiny. Here’s why these notes matter and what should always be included.
Why Court Reporter Log Notes Matter
Log notes serve as a roadmap for the entire proceeding. They help transcriptionists match what they hear to who is speaking and what is happening.
Well-written log notes help with:
Identifying speakers clearly
Capturing correct spellings of names and technical terms
Tracking when exhibits are introduced
Recording off-the-record discussions
Noting start, end, and break times
These details help ensure the transcript is correct and easy to follow.
What Should Be Included in Log Notes
A few key entries make a big difference. Here’s what should be logged during every proceeding:
Speaker Identification
List each speaker as they introduce themselves. If people speak over each other or audio quality dips, identifying speakers becomes much easier when names and titles are noted early.
Spellings of Names and Terms
Note phonetic spellings or confirm the spelling of names, company titles, case numbers, or industry terms. If something sounds unusual, write it down and ask for clarification.
Exhibits
When exhibits are introduced, log:
The exhibit number
The time it was marked
Who introduced it
A short description if available
This helps align transcript notations with the audio file.
Breaks and Off-the-Record Notes
When the court takes a break or goes off the record, log the time and note what occurred. For example:
"Break at 10:23 a.m. for lunch"
"Off the record to discuss settlement terms"
"Resumed at 11:05 a.m."
This gives transcriptionists clear guidance on what should and should not be included.
Start and End Times
Even if software logs timecodes, manually noting the beginning and end of the session is helpful. This ensures the full proceeding is captured without overlap or missing sections.
Audio Issues
If something impacts the audio, such as background noise or poor mic quality, make a note. This provides context for any unclear or inaudible parts of the transcript.
In Closing
Log notes are more than just scribbles on a page. They are essential to an accurate, complete transcript. Taking a few extra minutes during the proceeding to record speaker names, spellings, exhibit details, and time stamps makes the entire process smoother for everyone involved.
At Access Transcripts, we value the care and effort court reporters put into their log notes. They help us do our job better, and together, we ensure the record is clear, professional, and our transcript is as close to perfect as we can get it.
