PSPCRT411B
Audio record complex court proceedings

This unit covers the ability to produce recordings and monitor information in courts and transcribe proceedings, including more complex, difficult or unusual proceedings. The unit includes preparing for complex hearings, preparing for audio/visual recording, recording complex proceedings and producing a court transcript. The transcript is produced with a minimum typing speed and accuracy set by the jurisdiction (up to 120 words per minute is common depending on classification level, with 99% accuracy).In practice, audio recording of complex court proceedings may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities, such as acting ethically, working with diversity, complying with legislation, applying government processes, and gathering and analysing information. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

The task of audio recording, where a transcript of unusual or difficult proceedings may be required, will be undertaken by authorised court officials operating with a very high level of skill, according to the jurisdiction.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for complex hearings.

1.1. Court roster is checked and cause list is examined to identify jurisdiction, number of judiciary and status of case.

1.2. Existing glossaries, running sheet and previous transcript are located.

1.3. Information pertaining to the case and/or jurisdiction is obtained and used.

1.4. Resources are checked and sufficient time is allowed to get to court and set up before proceedings begin.

2. Prepare for audio/visual recording.

2.1. Court is set up, microphone/recording checks are carried out, and problems are remedied where possible, or reported according to practice and procedures.

2.2. Equipment is placed and cables are secured in compliance with workplace safety requirements.

2.3. Necessary paperwork is completed according to practice and procedures.

2.4. Counsel at the bar is approached to ensure appropriate identification while monitoring.

2.5. Case information is obtained and court file is perused for relevant information.

2.6. Special requirements for relief recorders to take over, for the start of a new trial or for ongoing cases, are included in preparations.

3. Undertake audio/visual recording of complex proceedings.

3.1. Recording equipment is operated to achieve and maintain high-quality recording.

3.2. Monitoring is undertaken according to practice and procedures.

3.3. Court protocol is maintained at all times, particularly while dealing with legal representatives and responding to queries regarding the transcript.

3.4. Where necessary, clarification of proceedings is sought from participants during adjournments.

3.5. Supervisor is advised when court is completed or adjourned according to practice and procedures.

3.6. Correct procedure is followed when taken over by court reporters.

3.7. Tapes are processed in accordance with legislative requirements, practice and procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

language skills to apply English language grammar and punctuation appropriately

initiative and enterprise skills to apply:

legislation, regulations and policies relating to audio recordings of complex court proceedings

procedures relating to public sector legislation, such as OHS and environment in the context of audio recording complex court proceedings

technical skills to:

produce high-quality audio/visual recording

monitor proceedings in a range of courts

self-management skills to:

manage a large volume of work

work effectively under pressure

time-management skills to meet required deadlines

technology skills to:

set up and operate portable audio-recording equipment

production of high-quality transcriptions of audio recordings with the required speed and accuracy (90-120 words per minute depending on jurisdiction, with 99% accuracy)

communication skills to:

deal effectively with a diverse range of people

obtain clarification of proceedings if necessary

respond to queries about transcript in court

literacy skills to gather and analyse information

interpersonal skills to respond to diversity, including gender and disability

Required knowledge

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and practice relating to audio recordings of complex court proceedings

structure, roles and functions of courts

courts administration structure

principles of judicial independence

court procedures and protocols

legal terms and abbreviations

general knowledge of places and terms

equal employment opportunity principles

equity and diversity principles

working ethically

public sector legislation, such as OHS and environment in the context of audio recording complex court proceedings

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

locate and interpret appropriate information relevant to jurisdiction, judiciary and case

operate equipment and resources necessary for effective audio recording

record and monitor information to produce accurate transcript of complex court proceedings

apply appropriate formatting and style to transcript

comply with organisational and legislative policies, procedures and protocols

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated by audio recording complex court proceedings on a range of occasions, over time and according to organisational policy and procedure.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must comply with:

applicable regulations and codes

workplace procedures and protocols

Access may be required to:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practices and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when audio recording complex court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to audio recordings of complex court proceedings

access to a live courtroom

court audio/visual recording equipment

computer aided transcription technology

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when audio recording complex court proceedings

Guidance information for assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

oral questioning about relevant legislation, acting ethically, and applying processes

observation of the candidate responding to a range of contexts to ensure achievement of the unit outcomes

feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant workplace procedures

review of records completed by candidate or reports of performance

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Jurisdiction may include:

all types of proceedings

Number of judiciary may include:

single judge, master, magistrate, registrar or commissioner

full bench

Status of case may include:

new case

part-heard

appeal

Information may include:

style book information for the jurisdiction

day of case

page number

Case may be:

civil

criminal

trial

appeal

Information may be used for checking:

names of counsel

spellings

Resources may include:

sufficient tapes and paperwork

monitor manual

Set up may include:

suitable number and placement of microphones

static wired court (in set time, such as 30 minutes)

portable audio recording equipment (in set time, such as 30 minutes)

Equipment may include:

audio/visual

microphones, including monitoring microphones

leads

digital or analogue recording equipment

headphones

laptop

Relevant information may include:

correct spelling, particularly of unusual words

file numbers

Special requirements may include:

drawing up a plan of the court, identifying counsel at particular microphones

checking whether opening addresses need to be typed

obtaining names of witnesses

if appeal, copies of lists of authorities and any reports

Maintaining high-quality recording may include:

checking recording, using headphones plugged into the jack

going into court and repositioning microphones

isolating channels periodically to ensure all speakers are clearly audible

checking the master tape

Monitoring includes:

ensuring accurate and comprehensive information for audio typing, including:

announcing names through the monitor microphone

completing monitor sheet with spellings of names and places

maintaining running sheet and master logs

clearly indicating where openings and/or addresses start

clear indication and time when a judgement or ruling starts

Processed may include:

all tapes or remaining tapes returned to the office

tapes logged into the electronic file management system


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Courts.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.