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.