ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for hearings.

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

1.2. Existing glossaries are located.

1.3. For new cases, dictionaries and glossaries of names and terms from court (case) file are created in accordance with court standards, and dictionaries are loaded.

1.4. Resources and materials to be taken to court are organised and sufficient time is allowed to get to court and set up before proceedings begin.

2. Set up court arrangements.

2.1. Court arrangements are set up, equipment is tested, 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. Liaison with court, judicial staff and legal profession is undertaken on proceedings and references.

2.4. Files are collected and sorted, and case information is obtained and examined for relevant information.

3. Capture proceedings.

3.1. Commencement procedures are undertaken according to practice and procedures.

3.2. Shorthand or notes are taken of proceedings, or machine is operated, to create accurate transcript.

3.3. Clarification of proceedings is obtained from participants where necessary according to practice and procedures.

3.4. Transcript is read back as requested according to court procedures and protocol.

3.5. Correct procedure is followed when working with or taking over from audio reporters.

3.6. Court protocol is maintained throughout proceedings.

Required skills

initiative and enterprise skills to:

apply legislation, regulations and policies relating to the recording of court proceedings

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

gather and analyse case information

technology skills to:

operate shorthand machine

achieve high-quality recording

technical skills to:

produce high-quality transcriptions with the required speed and accuracy (130-160 words per minute depending on jurisdiction, with 99% accuracy)

represent forms and outlines in shorthand

literacy skills to edit and summarise transcripts effectively

self-management skills to:

manage a large volume of work

work effectively under pressure

meet required deadlines

work individually or as a member of a team

communication skills to:

liaise effectively with a diverse range of people

obtain information

read back transcript

interpersonal skills to respond to diversity, including gender and disability

Required knowledge

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the recording of court proceedings

administrative requirements of court reporting

structure, roles and functions of courts

commonwealth, state and territory court systems

courts administration structure

principles of judicial independence

proceedings in a range of courts and the related legislation, such as Acts dealing with:

road traffic

summary offences

young offenders

court practices, procedure and protocols

legal terminology

computer-based registry systems

formats that interface with litigation support products

software programs that support electronic archiving and retrieval of transcript

legal terms and abbreviations

general knowledge of places and terms

English language, spelling, punctuation and grammar

equal employment opportunity principles

equity and diversity principles

working ethically

public sector legislation, such as OHS and environment in the context of recording court procedures

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 recording

record information to produce accurate transcript of court proceedings

apply appropriate formatting and style to transcript

comply with organisational and legislative procedures and protocols

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated by recording court proceedings on a range of occasions, over time.

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 recording court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to recording court proceedings

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when recording 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.

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 includes:

all types of proceedings, except:

Full Court

Court of Criminal Appeal - Supreme Court

Number of judiciary may include:

single judge, master, magistrate, registrar or commissioner

full bench

Status of case may include:

new case

part-heard

appeal

Cases may include:

trial

appeal

Terms may include:

legal

police

medical

financial

forensic

business

Court arrangements may include:

more than one court reporter

audio reporter

in general court:

shorthand or written notes using abbreviations

in trial court:

audio plus shorthand or shorthand machines

Equipment may include:

headphones

laptop

leads

microphones

shorthand machine

Liaison may be with:

sheriff's officer

prosecutor

lawyer

judicial support officer

judge's tipstaff or associate

court orderly

court security officer

interpreter

Relevant information may depend on:

whether defendant is present

whether bail applies

whether summons applies

people involved:

prosecutor

defendant

defendant's representative

Commencement procedures may include:

inputting start message to identify commencement of proceedings

taking previous reporter off using established procedures

Creating accurate transcripts:

includes issues that affect:

accuracy

correct outlines

required speed

may be affected by:

management style of presiding officer

noise and movement in courtroom

demeanour of participants, such as witnesses and counsel

speed of speakers

language issues, such as:

complexity of language used

use of interpreter

accents

grammar and syntax

clarity of speaker

shorthand method:

Pitmans

machine (e.g. Stentura)

online transcription

individual transcription

Read back may include:

finding reference by scrolling back on shorthand machine

reviewing paper tape