PSPCRT507B
Record complex court proceedings

This unit covers the ability to produce verbatim reporting and transcription of complex court proceedings using high-speed shorthand or machine shorthand at speeds required by the jurisdiction (typically in excess of 170-200 words per minute [wpm], with 99% accuracy). It includes preparing for complex hearings, setting up court arrangements, recording complex proceedings in shorthand, and producing transcripts.In practice, recording complex court proceedings may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities, such as acting ethically, working with diversity, complying with legislation and undertaking research and analysis. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

The task of recording verbatim, where a transcript of unusual or difficult proceedings may be required, will be undertaken by authorised court officials operating with extremely high levels of skill, according to the jurisdiction and in a court environment.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for complex hearings.

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

1.2. Existing glossaries, running sheet and previous transcript 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. Case information is obtained and checked for relevantinformation.

2.5. Preparations are made to include any special requirements for recording proceedings in a team, as opposed to individually.

3. Capture complex 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 on proceedings is obtained from participants where necessary according to practice and procedures.

3.4. Transcript is read back as requested in accordance with 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

Required skills

literacy skills to edit and summarise transcriptions

planning and organising skills to:

manage a large volume of work

meet required deadlines

work effectively under pressure

interpersonal skills to respond to diversity, including gender and disability

technical skills to:

represent forms and outlines in shorthand

produce high-quality transcriptions with the required speed and accuracy (in excess of 170-200 wpm depending on jurisdiction, with 99% accuracy)

initiative and enterprise skills to apply:

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

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

communication skills to:

liaise effectively with a diverse range of people

obtain information

read back transcripts

technology skills to operate a shorthand machine

self-management skills to work individually and as a member of a team

Required knowledge

administrative requirements of court reporting

court practices, procedure and protocols

structure, roles and functions of courts and court administration

legal terminology

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

principles of judicial independence

proceedings in a full range of courts

related legislation, such as Acts relating to bail, criminal law sentencing, and evidence

federal, state and territory court systems

structure, roles and functions of courts

formats that interface with litigation support products

software programs that support electronic archiving and retrieval of transcript

English language, spelling, punctuation and grammar

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

working ethically

equal employment opportunity principles

equity and diversity principles

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, presiding officials and case

operate equipment and resources necessary for effective recording

record information to produce accurate transcript of complex 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 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 recording complex court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the recording of complex court proceedings

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when 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 includes:

all types of proceedings, in particular:

Full Court

Court of Criminal Appeal - Supreme Court

Presiding officials may include:

full bench

single judge, master, magistrate, registrar or commissioner

tribunal member

Status of case may include:

appeal

new case

part-heard

Case may be:

appeal

civil

criminal

trial

Terms may include:

business

financial

forensic

legal

medical

police

technical, including building, mechanical, aviation and nautical

Equipment may include:

audio/visual

digital or analogue recording equipment

headphones

leads

microphones, including monitoring microphones

shorthand machine

Liaison may be with:

court security officer

interpreter

judge's tipstaff or associate

judicial support officer

lawyer

prosecutor

sheriff's officer

Relevant information may include whether case is:

civil

criminal

federal

Commencement procedures may include:

inputting start message to identify commencement of proceedings

taking previous reporter off using established procedures (e.g. end of sentence)

Creating accurate transcripts:

includes:

required 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

shorthand machine (e.g. Stentura)

online transcription

individual transcription

Read back may include:

finding reference by:

scrolling back on shorthand machine

reviewing paper tape

Sectors

Not applicable.

Competency Field

Courts.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.