Court Reporting Manual
Page i
Contents
1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Acknowledgements.......................................................................................................................... 1
2 Overview of Judicial Branch ............................................................................................................. 2
Supreme Court of Maryland (SCM) .................................................................................................. 2
Appellate Court of Maryland (ACM) ................................................................................................ 2
Circuit Courts ................................................................................................................................... 3
District Court .................................................................................................................................... 3
Orphans’ Courts ............................................................................................................................... 3
3 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 4
4 Human Resources ............................................................................................................................ 5
Qualifications ................................................................................................................................... 5
Appointment .................................................................................................................................... 5
Private Court Reporting Activities.................................................................................................... 5
Supervisory/Chief Court Reporter ................................................................................................... 5
Professional Conduct ....................................................................................................................... 6
Financial Disclosure .......................................................................................................................... 6
Ownership of Transcripts and Notes ............................................................................................... 6
Sample Job Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 7
5 Audio Recording Procedures ......................................................................................................... 16
Personnel: ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Procedures: .................................................................................................................................... 16
Tagging: .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Log of Events/Special Procedures: ................................................................................................. 17
Depositions: ................................................................................................................................... 18
6 Transcripts...................................................................................................................................... 19
Preparation .................................................................................................................................... 19
Proceedings Overview ................................................................................................................... 19
Transcription .................................................................................................................................. 24
Transcript Page Rates .................................................................................................................... 31
Transcript Examples and Checklists ............................................................................................... 31
7 Audio Requests .............................................................................................................................. 90
Access to Audio Recordings ........................................................................................................... 90
Access to Audio/Video Recordings ................................................................................................ 90
Audio and Audio-Video Distribution Format ................................................................................. 90
Audio Request Form ...................................................................................................................... 90
District Court Audio Requests ........................................................................................................ 90
8 Maryland Laws and Reference ....................................................................................................... 92
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 1
1 Purpose
This manual provides guidance on policies and procedures for use by those performing court
reporting, electronic recording, and transcription work for the Maryland Judiciary. It provides
definitions, duties, and requirements for court reporters as well as an overview of the Maryland
Court system and laws affecting the reporting process. Directions and examples of proper
transcription are also included. The purpose of the manual is to support consistent and clear
procedures throughout the Judiciary.
Acknowledgements
This Court Reporting Manual was prepared by the Court Reporting Workgroup. Deepest thanks
and gratitude to the Committee members and staff for their support and commitment to this
project.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 2
2 Overview of Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch consists of the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Appellate Court of
Maryland, the Circuit Courts, the District Court of Maryland, and the Orphans’ Courts.
The Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of Maryland is, by Constitution, the Administrative Head
of the Judicial Branch. In this capacity, and pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-505, the Chief Judge
has the authority and the responsibility for administering the system of court reporting in
Maryland courts. This includes the authority to adopt qualification criteria for individuals
engaged in court reporting, as well as formatting requirements and statewide fees for
transcripts. See the Administrative Order Setting Minimum Requirements for Court Reporting
and Transcription.
Supreme Court of Maryland (SCM)
The Supreme Court of Maryland is the highest State tribunal in Maryland and is located in
Annapolis, the state’s capital. The Court is composed of seven judges – the Chief Judge and six
associate judges – with each judge representing one of the seven appellate circuits.
The Supreme Court of Maryland hears cases almost exclusively by way of certiorari, a
discretionary review process that allows the Court to concentrate on issues that are “desirable
and in the public interest.” A party generally may file a petition for a writ of certiorari for review
of a case or proceeding pending in, or decided by, the Appellate Court of Maryland on appeal
from a circuit court, an orphans’ court, or the Maryland Tax Court. Certiorari may also be
granted in a case that has been appealed to a circuit court from the District Court or from the
Motor Vehicle Administration, after the initial appeal has been heard in the circuit court.
Transcripts of proceedings in the Supreme Court of Maryland are not prepared; however, the
proceedings are webcast live and recorded. Webcast recordings are archived on the Maryland
Courts website.
Appellate Court of Maryland (ACM)
The Appellate Court of Maryland is the intermediate appellate court and is located in Annapolis.
The Appellate Court of Maryland is composed of 15 judges – the Chief Judge and 14 associate
judges – at least one of whom comes from each of the seven appellate circuits. The Appellate
Court of Maryland generally sits in panels of three, although will occasionally sit en banc.
The Appellate Court of Maryland is an appellate court of general jurisdiction. It has exclusive
initial appellate jurisdiction over any reviewable judgment, decree, order, or other action of,
and generally hears cases appealed directly from, a circuit or orphans’ court, unless otherwise
provided by law. The Court also considers applications for leave to appeal in such areas as
postconviction, habeas corpus matters as to denial of or excessive bail, continued commitment
of or stay of execution for insane or incompetent defendants, inmate grievances, appeals from
criminal guilty pleas, violations of probation, and denial of victim rights.
Transcripts of proceedings in the Appellate Court of Maryland are not prepared, but oral
arguments are audio recorded.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 3
Circuit Courts
There is a circuit court in each of the 23 counties in Maryland and one in Baltimore City. The
courts are grouped into eight geographical circuits. Circuit courts are trial courts of general
jurisdiction and handle all jury trials; major civil cases; more serious criminal cases; juvenile
cases; family matters including divorce and child custody; and, most appeals from the District
Court, orphans’ courts, and certain administrative agencies.
Circuit courts are courts of record, which means that all proceedings before the court are
recorded. Transcripts include all proceedings in a case. Unless a copy of the transcript is already
on file in the circuit court, an appellant appealing to an appellate court shall order transcripts
from the Office of the Court Reporter in the circuit court from the county in which the
proceedings were held. See Maryland Rule 8-411.
District Court
The District Court of Maryland is comprised of 12 geographical districts and 34 locations
statewide. The jurisdiction of the Court includes all landlord-tenant cases, replevin actions,
motor vehicle violations, misdemeanors, and certain felonies. In civil cases, the District Court
has exclusive jurisdiction in claims for $5,000 or less, and concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit
courts in claims for amounts above $5,000 but less than $30,000. The jurisdiction of the District
Court is concurrent with that of the circuit courts in criminal cases, classified as misdemeanors
and certain felonies, in which the penalty may be confinement for 3 years or more or a fine of
$2,500 or more. The District Court also holds bail and preliminary hearings for any crime
charged in Maryland. The District Court does not conduct jury trials.
As with the circuit courts, the District Court of Maryland is a court of record, and all proceedings
before the Court are recorded. A typed transcript of a proceeding will be produced under
certain limited conditions in accordance with Maryland Rule 7-102(b).
Orphans’ Courts
Orphans’ courts handle wills, estates, and other probate matters. They also have jurisdiction,
along with the circuit courts, to appoint guardians for the person, and to protect the estates of
unemancipated minors. Appeals from orphans’ courts are generally to the circuit courts, where
the matter is tried de novo before a judge or jury. If appealed to the Appellate Court of
Maryland, the matter is heard on the record.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 4
3 Definitions
Term
Definition
CART Reporter
A CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) Reporter is a court
reporter using CAT (computer-aided transcription) software, who converts
the spoken word into English text and then into a feed that is displayed on a
computer terminal screen for use by a hearing-impaired individual. The
hearing-impaired individual could be a juror, a judge, a defendant, a witness,
or other litigant. The CART reporter should not act as both the official court
reporter and the CART reporter simultaneously. The CART reporter is
governed by the rules and laws affecting interpreters.
Court Recorder
An individual employed, contracted, or utilized by a court to record testimony
by electronic means (audio or audio-visual).
Court Reporter
An individual employed, contracted, or utilized by a court to record testimony
whether through the use of a stenographic machine or equipment, written
symbols, or otherwise.
Court Reporting
The act of making the official verbatim record – that is one that reflects
accurately what was spoken by a participant during any on-the-record
proceeding in, or for use in, any Maryland court – whether by an
audiographer, reporter, videographer, or other individual, through the use of
an electronic device, stenographic machine or equipment, written symbols, or
otherwise.
Court Reporting
Personnel
Court reporters, court recorders, transcriptionists, and any other personnel
whether employed or contracted who make the court record for use in any
Maryland court.
Digital Audio Files
Files created by digital recording systems and saved in a format that allows
storage and playback through computer applications.
Electronic Transcript
An official transcript delivered in an electronic, non-paper medium.
Notes
A verbatim record of a proceeding made whether through use of an
electronic device, stenographic equipment or machine, written symbols, or
otherwise – including the dictionary, media storage files, audio or video files,
and other documentation needed to prepare a transcript.
Log notes
Time stamped notations in digital audio recording programs which allow
users to search for specific areas of the court recording.
Operator
The person assigned to operate the audio or audio-video recording system.
Realtime Reporter
A court reporter, using CAT (computer-aided transcription) software, who
converts the spoken word into English text instantly into a feed that is
displayed on a computer terminal screen that can be viewed, read, streamed,
and searched by attorneys, judges, and litigants.
Transcriber
An individual who prepares a transcript of a proceeding from an audiotape,
digital recording, videotape, or other means, and who certifies the transcript.
Transcript
The verbatim record of an oral proceeding that is prepared and certified by a
transcriber and serves as the official record of that proceeding.
Transcription
Services
A vendor, employee, or contractor who transcribes the verbatim record of
court or on-the-record chambers proceedings, or portions thereof, from
audio or video files.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 5
4 Human Resources
Qualifications
A Maryland court, subject to the approval of its administrative judge, may use vendors,
contractors, or employees for court reporting or transcription services so long as the vendor,
contractor, or employee meets the qualifications set forth in the Administrative Order Setting
Minimum Requirements for Court Reporting and Transcription in Maryland Courts issued
September 9, 2021. A court may obtain these services directly from qualified individuals,
vendors, or contractors who provide qualified court reporters or transcriptionists.
Individuals, vendors, or contractors providing transcription services must meet or exceed
industry quality standards, maintain certification records for reporters or transcriptionists, and
provide proof of certification on demand.
Prior to commencing work as an employee or contractor, a court reporter or transcriptionist
responsible for making the record shall provide proof of certification as a court reporter by a
national or state certifying body, a copy of which shall be maintained by the Court
Administrator. Thereafter, the court reporter must maintain his or her certification and submit
proof of such certification annually. Although certification is preferred, an employee or
contractor may, subject to the approval of the Court Administrator, substitute two year of
relevant court reporting experience in lieu of certification.
The requirement for certification shall not apply to any employee or contracted employee
already employed and in good standing as of September 9, 2021.
Appointment
Court reporters are Judiciary employees that are generally funded by the local (county/city)
jurisdiction. The judges of the circuit courts, pursuant to Court and Judicial Proceedings 2-501,
have the authority to hire court reporters. As a result of this localized authority, the hiring and
appointment practices of the local jurisdiction should be followed. The qualifications
established in this document will serve as a minimum level of certification or experience. Local
jurisdictions may impose more qualification requirements as appropriate.
Private Court Reporting Activities
Generally, court reporters are permitted to establish and run a private business that engages in
the production of transcripts. It is the best practice to obtain the permission of a Court’s
Administrative Judge to be certain that such work is not in conflict with the court reporter’s
official duties. Under State ethics law, court reporters may not, under any circumstances,
perform private transcript preparation or production work during hours they are employed by
the court.
Supervisory/Chief Court Reporter
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-505, a county with more than one court reporter shall have one
court reporter designated as a supervisory court reporter. The county administrative judge has
supervisory responsibility over court reporters and recorders in the circuit courts and may
delegate supervision to a supervisory court reporter.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 6
Professional Conduct
Court reporters may look to Maryland’s Code of Judicial Conduct for guidance on decorum and
performance, both in and out of the courtroom. That Code, found in Title 18 of the Maryland
Rules, though not directly applicable to court reporters, serve as guidelines for addressing
situations where political, personal, and business involvements, both past and present, might
conflict with professional responsibility. The court reporter must always be cognizant of the
overriding requirements of propriety of action, impartiality of treatment, and balance in
approach. The court reporter must follow the court rules, case law, and statutes, as they apply
to other court staff.
A court reporter, like other court employees who interact with the public as well as the Bar,
represent the judicial system. Court reporters are expected to exhibit appropriate demeanor,
decorum, and professionalism at all times. A newly hired court reporter who has just left
employment of an organization should not be involved in the preparation of a transcript
concerning a case in which that organization is involved as it may create an appearance of bias.
Similarly, a court reporter should avoid cases that involve family members or close friends to
avoid any hint of bias or conflict of interest in the work of the court.
Financial Disclosure
As court reporters are Judicial Branch employees subject to the state ethics laws, all court
reporters whose positions are classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and who
are compensated at a salary grade with a base equivalent to at least the State of Maryland
Salary Schedule Grade Profile STD0016 employees shall file a Financial Disclosure Statement
with the State Ethics Commission each year as required.
Ownership of Transcripts and Notes
Notes, including the dictionary, and transcripts compiled by a provider of court reporting
services are property of the Maryland Judicial Branch.
At the conclusion of the employment/contractual relationship, any notes or transcripts created
for a court during the relationship that are in the possession of the court reporter are to be
turned over to the appropriate administrative official at the court for which the work was
executed.
Providers of court reporting services shall file, store, and dispose of notes in accordance with
the Judiciary Records Retention and Disposal Schedule.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 7
Sample Job Descriptions
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 8
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Class Specification
Class Title: Chief Court Reporter
Grade 30 ($49,628 - $62,216)
Full County Benefits Available
Definition:
Supervises and manages thirteen (13) court reporters on a daily basis. As a reporter, is
responsible for recording daily proceedings in the Circuit Court. Reads back from notes taken
for the benefit of the court, jury or counsel upon request. Preserves the trial record for appeal.
Examples of Duties:
Supervises the assignment of court reporters to court, settlement court and grand jury
proceedings; has the responsibility for the recruitment, background review and testing of new
court reporters together with any recommendations for employment; supervises transcript
requests for masters’ hearings; supervises transcript requests of cases reported by reporters
formerly employed by the Circuit Court and supervises records storage microfilming of court
reporters’ notes.
Maintains accurate log of transcripts of proceedings ordered and deadlines fixed by rules of
court and prepares typewritten transcripts of notes taken in proper transcript form in
accordance with the Maryland Court Reporters’ Manual in time to meet fixed deadlines in the
Supreme Court of Maryland or Appellate Court of Maryland and files them with the Clerk.
Collates and assembles and indexes and binds such transcripts. Performs other related work as
assigned. Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties assigned which may not be
specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational category
and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s class of work.
Minimum Qualification:
Must have five (5) years of courtroom experience. Must be on CAT (Computerized Assisted
Transcription) and attended a recognized court reporting school. NCRA Registered Professional
Reporter preferred. Should be able to record verbatim routine courtroom dialogue with 99%
accuracy, with a minimum of 225 WPM required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Good facility with English vocabulary including: legal terminology; medical terminology;
engineering terminology; other technical language; and, the ability to decipher and understand
various accents at rapid rates of speed. Must have the ability to understand and follow
directions on various proceedings and protocol in court cases. Requires basic knowledge of
orderly filing and indexing procedures and prompt day to day indexing and filing of
stenographic notes.
Conditions of Employment:
This position is a non-merit unclassified position appointed by the Circuit Court for Baltimore
County and is subject to the personnel policies and procedures adopted by the Court. Hours of
operations are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or later at the discretion of the judge. No freelancing or
outside work is allowed during working hours.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 9
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Class Specification
Class Title:
1.563 Technical Support Assistant I in the Court Administrator’s Office, Grade 23 ($38,557 - $48,898) in
five annual incremental steps with longevity increases every five years thereafter up to 30 years of
service culminating in a salary of $60,906. Full county benefits available.
Definition:
The Technical Support Assistant I assists the Circuit Court in operating the Digital Recording System,
which is used to record testimony in Judicial and Master’s hearings in the Circuit Court for Baltimore
County.
Example of Duties:
The Technical Support Assistant I is responsible for operating the Digital Recording System in the Circuit
Court for Baltimore County. This system is an audio recording network, utilized for recording and storing
testimony for twenty courtrooms and seven magistrates’ hearings rooms and two other locations.
Duties include: the administration of requests for transcripts; reviewing and “tagging” archived
recordings; monitoring of court personnel from a network control room to insure correct “start up”,
“shut down” and tagging procedures and providing training as needed. Additional responsibilities will
include in court “tagging” of daily dockets, troubleshooting network problems in various court locations
and ensuring the storage, cataloging and identification of all archived DVDs are according to protocol.
Flexible work hours may be necessary when daily court sessions are extended beyond normal business
hours. Backup support for other Digital Recording Assistants is an essential element of employment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must have graduated from a recognized high school, plus three years of field experience in a technical
setting or graduated from a recognized community college with and A.A. degree plus one year of
technical experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Must have a basic knowledge of office procedures and methods; must have the ability to keep accurate
records; must have the ability to process information according to established guidelines; must be able
to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy and competence in dealing with judges, public
officials, attorneys, the public and professional personnel. Should be competent in a Microsoft Windows
environment and have a working knowledge of Word, Excel and have the ability to adapt to changing
technology. It is strongly desired that the person in the position be technically adept.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification is essentially sedentary but may include occasional walking, standing,
lifting of boxes or other limited physical activities.
Medical Examination
Applicants selected for employment must successfully complete a physical examination that will also
include urinalysis screening to ascertain that the applicant is drug free.
Conditions of Employment:
This position is a non-merit unclassified position with the Circuit Court for Baltimore County and is
subject to the personnel policies and procedures adopted by the Court.
Revised 03/19
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 10
Court Reporter for Baltimore County
Class Specification
Position Title: Court Reporter
Department: Circuit Court
Organizational Relationship:
Reports To: Court Administrator
Supervises: N/A
Overview:
Records all court proceedings for the Circuit Court and prepares audio CDs for the transcription
service, the Judges, Masters, attorneys or litigants. Handles correspondence with regard to
transcript estimates and CD requests. Reliable, consistent attendance is a requirement and
essential function of this position. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
Education/Experience:
Requires a twelfth grade education; additional education and experience in law/criminal justice
preferred. Computer experience a must. Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software technical
issues a major plus.
Required Skills:
• Thorough knowledge of English usage, punctuation, spelling and legal terminology;
• Knowledge of computers and Microsoft Word software;
• Ability to monitor three to four courtrooms at one time;
• Ability to maintain a professional disposition and an effective working relationship with
office personnel, Judges, Masters, courtroom personnel and the public;
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment;
• Ability to work independently yet as a team player within the Court Reporters’ Office;
• Ability to maintain organization within the Court Reporters’ Office.
Duties:
• Test courtroom microphones on a daily basis;
• Assemble and position microphones and equipment prior to Court; contact courtroom
personnel throughout proceedings if changes need to be made to said microphones;
• Monitor court proceedings remotely in order to be sure there are no technical
difficulties with recording and so that court hearings may be easily accessed either for
audio copies or typed transcripts;
• Monitor three to four courtrooms a day for the duration of any and all court
proceedings;
• Prepare audio CDs for the transcription service, the Judges, Masters, attorneys or
litigants;
• Handle correspondence with regard to transcript estimates and CD requests;
• Answer the telephone and assist those calling with regard to ordering copies of audio
recordings or typed transcripts, appeals, exceptions;
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 11
• File completed original transcripts with the Clerk’s Office for transmittal to the Appellate
Court of Maryland;
• Notify attorneys/litigants when transcripts or CDs are ready to be picked up;
• Work the “late week” as specified in the Court Reporter rotation calendar or as
otherwise needed;
• While listening to the individual courtrooms, type in case names, numbers, attorneys’
names and witnesses’ names and addresses with accuracy. Make notes where cases
begin and end in the recording;
• Perform a variety of office duties including ordering supplies, maintaining accounts
payable/receivable and ledgers, bookkeeping, bill collecting, delivering correspondence,
composing and preparing letters and other documents, and keeping statistical reports;
• Seal court proceedings through Expungements, Orders to Shield, and Grand Jury
indictments;
• Requisition of court reporter tapes/notes from remote location at Maryland State
Archives for transcript purposes and ensure their return.
Decision Making:
• Makes decisions on prioritizing completion of transcripts;
• Makes decisions regarding the note taking in Court and recording of what is said;
• Makes decisions on directing speakers, including attorneys, to microphones to assure
accurate recordings.
Accountability:
Accountable independently for the efficient, timely, and accurate recording of Court
proceedings.
Rev: 10/7/14
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 12
Circuit Court for Howard County
Position Announcement
Job Title: Court Reporter Position Type: Full-time
Opening Date: April 18, 2018 Closing Date: May 2, 2018
Grade/Entry Salary Range: G /$39,953 – 45,060
Starting salary commensurate with education and experience.
This position is responsible for recording verbatim court proceedings. The incumbent will report
to the Supervisory Court Reporter.
Essential Functions:
• Records and monitors court proceedings using digital audio recording system, including
the taking of notes, keeping the recording system in the courtroom in good working
condition and preparing the courtroom for trials and hearings;
• Prepares hearing sheets in Magistrates cases;
• Prepares transcripts in accordance with Court Reporters Office guidelines;
• Processes transcript requests, packages transcript requests for outside typists, retrieves
and plays recordings for parties and attorneys;
• Estimates transcript costs;
• Processes expungements;
• Prepares copies of audio recordings for the public;
• Performs administrative and secretarial duties, upon request; and
• Assists the public, attorneys and related state agencies by providing information about
the provision of transcripts and audio recordings, both in person, and by telephone.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Fast and accurate typing and proofreading skills, with attention to detail;
• Working knowledge of Windows based applications with an emphasis on Word,
WordPerfect and Excel;
• Ability to be flexible regarding overtime work without advance notice, as jury
deliberations may extend into the evening;
• Knowledge of legal terms, court procedures and understanding of State and County
court structure;
• The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment and interpersonal skills to
interact effectively with all levels of professionals (judges, attorneys, court personnel,
the public, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills, the ability to establish priorities, be adaptable, and multi-
task oriented.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using proper grammar,
syntax and spelling.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole
numbers, fractions, and decimals.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 13
Experience: Relevant experience includes paralegal, legal secretarial, law enforcement, Court or
Clerk’s Office experience.
Education: Possession of an Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university with
two years relevant experience. Two additional years of experience can be substituted for the
educational requirement.
Please submit a resume, salary history and references (e-mail preferred) stating the position
title by 11:59 pm of the closing date to:
Deidre Barksdale
Circuit Court for Howard County
8360 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, MD 21043
The Circuit Court for Howard County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the
workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin or
disability. Applicants who need accommodation for an interview may request such assistance in advance of an interview.
The candidate selected for this position will be subject to a background check and must be a US citizen or eligible to work in
the US. A criminal background check will be done prior to hiring of individual.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 14
Washington County
Court Reporter Grade:10
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
General Definition of Work:
Performs difficult skilled clerical and administrative work preparing a verbatim record of all
court proceedings, transcribing and preparing legal documents and correspondence, providing
general office support and in assisting the Court with legal research and procedures. Direction is
provided by the Judges in assigned courts.
Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission
of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a
logical assignment to the position.)
I. Attends court sessions and accurately take stenographic notes and/or records all proceedings;
prepares, proofreads and distributes transcripts, including preparing CD's of proceedings.
Maintains, preserves and stores court logs, CD's and transcripts.
Prepares probation orders.
Prepares transcripts of proceedings in a timely manner.
Provides estimates of cost of transcripts for interested parties.
Prepares and distributes pre-sentence investigation forms.
Prepares verdict sheets.
Assists judge's administrative assistant when she is unavailable or out of office by answering
the telephone, making copies, taking messages, scheduling appointments, typing orders, faxing
materials, and obtaining files from Clerk's Office.
Assists courtroom personnel by preparation of courtroom when bailiff is absent, swearing in
witnesses when clerk is absent and furnishing information about proceedings to clerk.
Assists bailiff in obtaining lunches and dinners for jurors during deliberations.
II. Orders supplies for and maintain court reporting equipment.
Attends and records Grand Jury proceedings as required.
Performs related tasks as required, including, but not limited to, being cross-trained with all
other court reporters and substituting for them as necessary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
General knowledge of courtroom procedures; thorough knowledge of the English language,
spelling, grammar and punctuation; possession of a good vocabulary, including legal
terminology; thorough knowledge of the use and operation of computers, typewriters,
electronic recording and transcribing equipment, faxes and copiers; ability to accurately
transcribe and type at a speed of not less than 45 words per minute from electronically
recorded testimony; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
associates, courtroom personnel and the general public.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or
from an accredited community college
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 15
with major course work in secretarial science, court reporting or related field and extensive
legal assistance experience.
Physical Requirements:
This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10
pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work
requires fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or
exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important
instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information
at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral
communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for
preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, determining the
accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the
worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.
Special Requirements: Valid Driver's License.
Revised: 8/2015
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential tasks.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 16
5 Audio Recording Procedures
Background: As of the date of drafting this section, the majority of trial courts in Maryland use
either CourtSmart or For the Record (FTR) to record proceedings. Some also use in-courtroom
court reporters in addition to or in lieu of the audio recording. These procedures are intended
to make the process of recording courtroom audio as uniform as possible and ensure the
quality of the recording. While these procedures/guidelines are based upon the operation of
CourtSmart/FTR, they can be applied generically to any recording system.
Each court must establish written procedures and assign appropriate personnel to ensure that
all proceedings are properly recorded and that appropriate information (described below) is
recorded.
Personnel:
• Judges have overall responsibility for court proceedings and for ensuring, along with
the operator and the courtroom clerk, that the system is operating efficiently so that
a clean record of the proceedings can be produced.
• Operator. The operator is responsible for operating the recording system and must
be familiar with the system’s operating manual and must maintain a log of the
proceedings.
• Courtroom clerk. The courtroom clerk or other designee of the court is responsible
for assisting the presiding judge, including receiving and marking exhibits and other
evidence, and keeping a record of the proceedings.
• Vendor. The vendor provides the audio recording system, which may include
computers, processors, encoders, and other similar technology. It may also include
microphones, speakers and other hardware.
• Judicial Information Systems (JIS). JIS is responsible for managing the Judiciary’s
technology infrastructure and information systems (software, hardware, networks,
servers, etc.).
Procedures:
• In general, a court must maintain its recording equipment according to the system’s
operating and procedures manuals, in conjunction with Judicial Information
Systems. It is especially important to maintain the servers on which the data is
stored and have a robust system of backups so that data is not lost.
• Before proceedings are started each day, the operator must check the system to
ensure that it is working properly and that all microphones are recording.
• If a problem with the system is discovered, the presiding judge must be immediately
notified and the commencement of proceedings must be delayed until the system is
again fully operational or an alternate means of recording is found (i.e. changing
courtrooms, using a court reporter, or recording on another suitable device).
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 17
• If a problem arises after proceedings have started, the proceedings must be stopped
immediately until the problem is resolved.
• Before proceedings start, the presiding judge or the courtroom clerk must announce
that all proceedings are being recorded. In addition, visual reminders must be used
to indicate that the proceedings are being recorded, such as a placard in the
courtroom or on its door, or an electronic sign that illuminates when recording has
started.
• Start the recording at the beginning of a proceeding.
• Recording must be continually monitored to ensure the accuracy of the record and
to preserve the ability to transcribe the recording.
o The presiding judge and the courtroom clerk, if any, must remind counsel,
witnesses, and parties to speak clearly and one-at-a-time so that the recording is
clear.
o Reminders must be repeated whenever the amount of cross-talk/noise impedes
a clear recording.
• Recording may be stopped at lunch or other significant breaks. If this is done, the
operator must:
o Ensure that the equipment is tested again before re-commencement of the
proceedings.
o Start/re-start the recording when the proceedings recommence.
Tagging:
• The Operator must tag the start time and end time of each separate proceeding.
• Additional tagging:
o Case name
o Case number
o Key events in the proceeding
o Voir dire
o Jury instructions
o Opening and closing arguments
o Identification of witnesses
o Playing of recordings as evidence
o Any other events directed by the administrative judge or presiding judge
Log of Events/Special Procedures:
• The operator must keep a legible running log of key events and other appropriate
notes to assist the transcriber in completing the transcript if questions arise.
• Log the Play back of video/audio recordings with:
o A description of what is being played in court
o Video/audio
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 18
o Any limitations on the play back
o What portions are or can be played
o Record in the log:
1. The general subject of the recording, for example:
a. Police interrogations
b. Body worn camera
c. Surveillance video
d. Security camera video
e. Recorded conversations
2. Name of the speaker(s) in the audio
• Telephone or audio/video appearances of witnesses, counsel, etc.
o Ensure that any audio played in the courtroom is either amplified through the
audio system or can be picked up by the audio system.
o This must be tested each time this process is used.
o Record in the log the name of the speaker(s) in the audio.
• Bench Conferences.
o The recording system must be configured so that bench conferences are
recorded.
o This must include the ability to isolate the bench microphone(s) from any
amplification so that the audio is recorded but is not played in the courtroom.
o Log when bench conferences occur and who was present.
• Chambers Conferences.
o Provision must be made for recording chambers conferences either through the
recording system or other appropriate system.
o Log when chambers conferences occur and who was present.
Depositions:
• Audio recording of depositions are governed by Rules 2-415 and 2-416. All
deposition service providers must comply with these Rules when providing
depositions for Maryland court proceedings.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 19
6 Transcripts
Preparation
A court reporter or transcriptionist shall begin work on a transcript after receiving a written
request and any deposit, if requested, and shall deliver the completed transcript to the Clerk or
Register of Wills within the timeframe determined by contract, policy, or agreement.
A court reporter or transcriptionist may request a deposit not to exceed twenty-five percent
(25%) or consistent with the terms of any transcription contract prior to preparing a transcript
and need not provide a copy to the ordering party prior to full payment for the transcript.
The administrative judge for each circuit court shall develop protocols, in conjunction with the
court administrator or clerk, for prioritizing the work of the court reporters in each circuit court,
but transcripts requested for appeal should be given the highest priority. The Chief Judge of the
District Court shall develop protocols for prioritizing the work of the court reporters for the
District Court.
Pursuant to MD Rules 8-413 and 8-608, the Clerk is required to include the cost of transcript
preparation in the materials transmitted to the appeals courts. In order to facilitate compliance
with the Rules, the court reporter/transcriptionist shall deliver to the Clerk a cost sheet that
identifies the costs associated with the preparation of the transcript. The cost sheet shall be
delivered to the Clerk in the same manner and at the same time the transcript is produced (the
cost sheet means a document indicating the total cost of the transcript).
Proceedings Overview
1. Pleadings.
To initiate a civil case, a party – the plaintiff – files a pleading called a complaint, to which the
other party – the defendant – files a pleading called an answer. Additional legal documents,
such as motions, are filed as the case proceeds towards trial. Maryland Rules lay out the
procedures for filing such documents in a circuit court and the District Court.
To initiate a criminal case, a prosecutor files a charging document – such as an indictment of a
grand jury or an information – that accuses the defendant of having committed a crime(s).
2. Grand Jury Proceeding.
The grand jury is an inheritance from the ancient Common Law of England. The grand jury
decided whether there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial of the facts in a felony and, so
frequently stood as a barrier against royal persecution, it became regarded as an institution
that secured the Monarch’s subjects against the oppression of unfounded prosecutions by the
Crown. The grand jury system was carried over in the United States with a similar intent to
provide protection against unfounded accusations by the State.
Although a grand jury can take cognizance of any criminal activity that comes to its attention, a
prosecutor presents most cases. In Maryland, the State’s Attorney Office prosecutes most
criminal offenses; however, the Office of the Attorney General prosecutes some crimes. As
well, the Office of the State Prosecutor handles cases referred to that office because political or
other considerations mitigate against a State’s Attorney doing so.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 20
Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, enables a court to appoint a reporter to take and
transcribe testimony given before a grand jury for the exclusive use and benefit of the grand
jury and prosecutor, unless the court orders otherwise. A criminal penalty of one year’s
imprisonment or $1,000 fine, or both, is authorized for wrongful disclosure. If a court reporter
is authorized by court order to act as grand jury reporter, the Clerk of Court will administer an
oath, substantially as follows: “and that I will keep secret all matters and things occurring
before said grand jury, except as to the [prosecutor], and I will not permit any person or persons
to take a copy of the testimony or portions thereof, nor will I disclose the character of any of the
contents to any person or persons, other than the grand jury, except on a written order of Court
only made after hearing the [prosecutor].”
As a general rule, a grand jury is presented with only one side of the evidence, the State’s, on
the basis of which the grand jury decides whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant
returning a true bill, or indictment, against the accused.
An official reporter will be present in the grand jury room to preserve testimony. Hence, at all
times while a witness is in the grand jury room, the proceedings are on the record.
Witnesses are called one at a time before the grand jury. Since a prosecutor may want
testimony preserved to allow a later perjury indictment, a reporter must include verbatim the
oath and swearing of the witness and his/her answer, so that no question as to the form of
oath or the response arises.
The prosecutor normally questions the witness. Usually, after the prosecutor has completed
examination of the witness, the grand jurors are allowed to ask questions, although the jurors
may do so at any time. With no direct or cross-examination, Q and A is the simplest format for
this part of the proceeding.
Between witnesses, there may be informal discussion among the jurors and prosecution. Unless
otherwise specified, such discussion usually is not recorded, as it is not testimony. Some
prosecutors require everything transpiring in a grand jury proceeding to be recorded and
transcribed because the transcript provides a means of educating the assigned prosecuting
attorney. Consideration should be given to making it mandatory to record everything said, not
just to educate attorneys but to have a complete record.
After all of the testimony is completed and the grand jury is ready to commence its
deliberations and vote, the official reporter should leave.
Due to the oath of secrecy, an official reporter must prepare the transcript, unless a
transcriptionist is appointed and sworn under the same oath as the reporter.
A transcript is made solely for the benefit of the prosecutor and grand jury and, absent court
order, is not to be provided to anyone else. Some public local laws expressly state that notes,
and transcripts, of grand jury proceedings are to be retained in the custody of the prosecutor.
3. Interpreter.
On occasion, a juror, party or witness may need an interpreter(s). For example, even if a
defendant speaks or understands some English, understanding all – not just some – of the
testimony is critical. The court will appoint, as an officer(s) of the court, one or more
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 21
interpreters to interpret the on the record proceeding and the portion of the off the record
proceeding in which the juror, party, or witness is entitled to participate.
A court must determine that a prospective interpreter is qualified, in the same manner that any
expert witness is qualified. If so, the Clerk administers an oath calling for the interpreter to
interpret faithfully and accurately.
Ideally, if counsel and the interpreter are experienced, questions will be asked, and answers
given, in the first person, in which case the answers are set out normally. Unfortunately, this is
not always the case. For example, an attorney will say, “Ask her who she works for,” and the
interpreter will say, “She says she works for Mr. Jones.” This is the incorrect format for
interpretation and should alert a judge to investigate further the qualifications of the
interpreter, but an official reporter has no control over the questioning.
4. Hearing or Trial.
A. Colloquy.
Colloquy is conversation between anyone other than a witness and examining attorney. A
typical court proceeding begins with colloquy between the judge and attorneys. In colloquy, the
judge is always identified as “THE COURT”, while an attorney is identified by his or her name.
Whenever jurors are speaking or being spoken to, the format is colloquy. If a witness answers a
question during colloquy, the response is colloquy.
B. Question and Answer.
Question and answer (Q and A) testimony is conversation between a witness and examining
attorney. Whenever a witness is sworn, the questioning is set up as Q and A. Q and A must be a
sequence.
C. Order of Proceeding.
Subject to reasonable control of a court over the mode and order of interrogating witnesses,
the following order generally is followed until the prosecutor or plaintiff rests his/her case and
the defendant rests his/her case:
• Voir Dire of Interpreter(s): The questioning (voir dire) of an interpreter to determine
qualification as an expert witness.
• Interpreter Oath: Swearing of an interpreter as required by Maryland Rule 5-604.
• Jury Selection: The period during which prospective jurors are questioned (voir dire),
challenged by counsel, and sworn. See Jury Voir Dire below.
• Opening Statement of Prosecutor/Plaintiff: An overview of what counsel expects
witness(es) and exhibit(s) to prove.
• Opening Statement of Defense: A defense overview, occasionally reserved until the
prosecutor/plaintiff rests.
• Prosecutor/Plaintiff’s Witness(es)/Exhibit(s):
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 22
o Direct Examination: The first questioning of a witness by the
prosecutor/plaintiff.
o Exhibit: Material introduced as evidence, after laying of a proper foundation
for introduction through testimony of a witness.
o Cross-Examination: The first questioning of a witness by the defense or any
questioning of an “adverse” witness – a witness obviously hostile to the
party’s interests, such as a defendant when called by a plaintiff.
o Redirect Examination: The questioning of a witness by the
prosecutor/plaintiff, after cross-examination of the witness.
o Recross Examination: The questioning of a witness by the defense, after
redirect examination.
A court may conduct an examination (voir dire) of a witness. For example, a party may make a
proffer of what an individual will say, and the court will determine whether the individual is to
be allowed to testify, or not because of, e.g., lack of mental competence.
No matter how many “turns” counsel have, examination remains redirect and recross. There is
no such thing as re-redirect or re-recross.
• Prosecutor/Plaintiff Rests: An announcement that the main portion of the
prosecutor/plaintiff’s case is complete.
• Motion to Dismiss/Motion for Judgment of Acquittal: A request by the defense for a
ruling by the court that the plaintiff/prosecutor’s case is insufficient to warrant
continuation.
• Defense Witness(es):
o Direct Examination: The first questioning of a witness by the defense.
o Exhibits: Material introduced as evidence after proper laying of a foundation
for introduction through testimony of a witness.
o Cross-Examination: The first questioning of a witness by the
prosecutor/plaintiff or any questioning of an “adverse” witness – a witness
obviously hostile to the party’s interests.
o Redirect Examination: The questioning of a witness by the defense, after
cross-examination of the witness.
o Recross Examination: The questioning of a witness by the
prosecutor/plaintiff, after redirect examination.
• Defense Rests: Announcement that the main portion of the defense is complete.
• Rebuttal: The questioning of a witness by the prosecutor/plaintiff to contradict, or
rebut, evidence presented as part of the defense, generally limited by the court to
new matters with which the prosecutor/plaintiff’s case did not deal.
• Surrebuttal: The questioning of a witness by the defense to contradict rebuttal.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 23
A witness questioned during rebuttal or surrebuttal may be a witness who testified earlier – i.e.,
a recalled witness – or a witness who has not testified previously.
• Motion for Judgment: A ruling by the court, on motion of the defense, deciding a
case without its submission to the jury. See Rules 2-519 and 4-324.
• Conference on Instructions: A conference in which the judge and counsel, out of the
hearing of the jury, decide on instructions to be given to the jury, generally based on
proposed instructions submitted by the parties and their respective objections.
A court will decide whether this conference is conducted on the record or very informally of the
record with only the exception(s) to the court’s decision and the reason(s) for the exception(s)
stated on the record. Normally, instructions requested but not given are filed in the case file.
Final instructions usually are compiled in written form, for the court to read to the jury with, in
some instances, a copy also given to the jury.
• Closing Statement/Argument by Prosecutor/Plaintiff: A summary of the case by the
prosecutor/plaintiff.
• Closing Statement/Argument by Defense: A summary of the case by the defense.
• Rebuttal: The prosecutor/plaintiff’s response to the defense’s closing
statement/argument.
• Jury Retires: Retirement of the jury to the jury room, for out of court deliberation.
The court will determine the need for an official reporter to remain in or near the courtroom to
be available should additional proceedings transpire because of a jury question or verdict. A
jury sometimes will ask that a portion(s) of a proceeding be read, in which case a court must
decide whether doing so would emphasize that portion unduly – the alternative, reading of the
entire proceeding generally being impracticable.
• Verdict: The decision of the jury, read by the jury foreperson in the courtroom.
• Hearken: The command for the jury to heed the verdict to ensure that it reflects the
decision of the jury accurately.
• Poll: The question, to the jury as a whole or each juror individually, as to agreement
with the verdict, as announced by the jury foreperson.
D. Jury Voir Dire.
The manner by which prospective jurors are to be summoned for service is set out in a juror
plan adopted by each circuit court. Individuals passing an initial screening through juror
qualification forms are summoned each day in numbers sufficient to provide juries in all jury
trials scheduled for that day. Maryland juries are comprised, in civil cases, of six jurors and, in
criminal cases, of 12 jurors. A court also may want alternate jurors, to serve should an original
juror become sick or otherwise unavailable.
Counsel chooses jurors for a particular case after the judge has asked prospective jurors
questions agreed to by the judge and counsel and related to the qualification of prospective
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 24
jurors to serve as jurors generally and in the particular proceeding. This questioning is “voir
dire”.
Counsel do not have to agree to a voir dire question. Normally, they are proposed by an
attorney, but one attorney (or sometimes both) may object to a question (and, indeed, they
must object on the record if they want to preserve the point for appellate review).
Unless the parties agree otherwise, all proceedings in open court are to be recorded; therefore,
the court may question individual jurors on potentially embarrassing information in bench or
chamber conferences. Jurisdictions are encouraged to identify jurors by number and not by
name.
Counsel eliminates prospective jurors through challenges accepted by the court as being for
cause – e.g., relationship of the prospective juror to a party – and through a limited number of
peremptory challenges for which counsel need not state a reason for eliminating a prospective
juror. Counsel has, on occasion, used peremptory challenges in an unconstitutional,
discriminatory manner to eliminate, for example, all prospective jurors of a particular race.
Challenges to such exclusionary juries are known as Batson inquiries after the seminal case.
Most recently, the United States Supreme Court reversed and remanded a death penalty case
for review of a trial court’s denial of habeas corpus predicated on too rigorous an evidentiary
showing for a Batson challenge. Miller-El v Cockrell, U. S. (2/25/03). A court may have such
challenges made out of the hearing of the prospective jurors so that they will know neither the
party who challenged a particular juror nor the basis of the challenge.
Once a jury is agreed to, the jury will be sworn. The identity of those sworn must be noted only
by juror number.
E. Conferences.
There are various types of bench or chamber conferences.
In the course of a proceeding, particularly before a jury, counsel will ask permission to approach
the bench or the judge will direct counsel to do so. An official reporter should approach as well,
if necessary, to adjust microphones or otherwise be at the bench to hear that part of the
proceeding.
Nothing is off the record unless the court so directs; therefore, if counsel indicates the
conference is off the record, the official reporter must get confirmation from the judge. The
judge also should indicate when the proceeding is back on the record, but the official reporter
should inquire if there is any doubt. Appreciation for the importance of having a complete
record of all portions of a proceeding has reduced the instances in which a judge should hold an
off the record conference, and it is crucial that a reporter never assume that a conference is off
the record. See, e.g., Wooten-Bey v. State, 318 Md. 301 (1990) (discussion of judge’s directive
after court reporter ceases recording on “all rise”).
Transcription
The Style Guide below provides suggested direction on format and usage. While not required,
the court strongly encourages the use of this formatting to help ensure consistent standards
and uniformity.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 25
I. Scope of Transcript.
A transcript is to be a verbatim record of a proceeding.
No one, not even a judge, should interfere with or cause alteration of the true record as
recorded/reported by the official reporter/transcriptionist. Any deviation in a transcript or
certified record hinders appellate review.
II. Title Page
A. Parties.
On the title page, capitalize every letter in the names of the parties.
Juvenile matters have especially stringent confidentiality requirements. Please reference CJ 3-
827 & CJ 3-8A-27 for restrictions on disclosure of information
The record in a criminal investigation by a grand jury is not to disclose the name of the person
under investigation in “any opinion, oral argument, brief, record extract, petition, or other
document pertaining to the appeal that is generally available to the public.”
Examples: But not:
John S. John Smith
In re investigation no. In re investigation of John Smith
III. Indentation.
A. Exhibit.
A reference to an exhibit is to be set apart from the testimony in parentheses on the right side
of a page.
B. Questions and Answers.
There is to be an indentation of five spaces to the Q or A plus an additional five spaces to the
text of the Q or A.
C. Quotation.
After the first line of a paragraph, a quotation is to be indented an additional five spaces.
D. Testimony.
Designations of examinations are to be centered on a page.
IV. Lines.
A. Alignment.
Line numbers are to be aligned with the text so that no text appears in between line numbers.
B. Blanks.
There are to be no unnecessary blank lines on a page.
C. Minimum.
There are to be no fewer than 25 lines on a page.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 26
D. Numbering.
Each line of a transcript is to be numbered, and there are to be no fewer than 25 lines.
E. Questions and Answers.
Questions and answers are to begin on separate lines.
V. Margins.
A. Left.
1. Depth.
The margin on the left side of the page is to be 1.5 (1½) inches.
2. Colloquy.
A colloquy is to begin ten spaces from the left margin; that is, on the 11th space. A carryover
line is to return to the left margin.
3. Questions and Answers.
Q and A is to begin five spaces from the left margin. There are to be five spaces from the Q or A
to the text – that is, the text is to begin on the 11th space from the margin. A carryover line is to
return to the left margin.
4. Quotation.
Each new paragraph of a quotation is to begin ten spaces from the left margin. A carry-over line
is to begin five spaces from the left margin.
5. Parenthetical Material.
Each new paragraph of parenthetical material is to begin on the 11th space, and each carry-
over line is to begin on the sixth space, from the left margin. Exhibit parentheticals are
exceptions.
B. Right.
The margin on the right side of a page is to be 0.5 (½) inches.
The right margin is set to ensure, for example, page numbers are not obscured when a two-
sided copy of a transcript is bound.
VI. Page.
A. Certificate Page.
The last page of every transcript is to be a separate, certificate page, to signify that the
transcript is completed and is an accurate and complete record of the proceeding ordered
transcribed. If paper transcript, sign the certificate page in blue ink.
VII. Indentation.
A. Numbering.
Each new Volume is to start with page 1.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 27
B. Size.
Each transcript page is to be 8½ inches by 11 inches.
C. Table of Contents Page.
1. Transcript and Volume.
Every transcript, and each volume beginning a new day, is to have a table of contents page,
even if there are no exhibits or witnesses.
2. Exhibit.
A table of contents page that gives the page number where an exhibit first is identified is
helpful to a reviewer in indicating the first place in the transcript where the exhibit might have
been mentioned. In any event, the table of contents page always is to give the page number on
which an exhibit is marked for identification and marked into evidence or, if an exhibit is pre-
marked, so state.
The court should ensure that marking of items for identification and introduction into evidence
are on the record.
3. Motion.
A table of contents page is to give the page numbers for motions that are made; for example,
Motion for Judgment of Acquittal.
4. Witness.
A table of contents page is to list:
• the starting page number for voir dire examination
• as to a witness:
• the witness’ full name
• the starting page number for Direct Examination, Cross-examination, Redirect
Examination, etc. of the witness
• the starting page number for the reading of a deposition transcript into the
record in lieu of the personal appearance of the witness
• the starting page number for a videotape playback in lieu of the personal
appearance of the witness
• designation, as the court’s witness, of a witness called by the court
D. Title Page
1. Transcript and Volume.
The first page of every transcript, and of each volume beginning a new day, is to be a title page.
2. Minimum Information.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 28
A title page is to include all information pertinent to a proceeding, so that the reader can
ascertain at a glance what they need to know, including:
• the number of the volume
• the court in which the proceeding is held
• the city in which the proceeding is held
• the name of each party or the title of the action
• the case number
• the nature of the proceeding
• the date of the proceeding
• the name and title of the person who presided over the proceeding
• the names of all attorneys and the name of each party appearing in proper person
• the name, certification designation, and telephone number of the official
reporter/transcriptionist who has taken a proceeding and/or transcribed it, or
caused it to be transcribed
• the method of recording the proceeding
• a notation whether the transcript is an excerpt of, or the entire, proceeding
VIII. Parenthetical Expressions.
A. General.
A parenthetical expression is a verbal cue to place the transcribed words in a proper context. As
such, a parenthetical expression often provides information critical for appellate review. Thus,
the issue on appeal may be whether a defendant is present at the bench during voir dire of
prospective jurors and, if not, whether the defendant personally waived the right to be present.
Similarly, notation that a jury has entered or exited from a courtroom would allow an appellate
court to determine whether the jury was present when an outburst from a spectator occurred
in the courtroom and assess the effect accordingly.
The description given in a parenthetical expression is to be a brief, factual notation and not an
interpretation. The description is enclosed in parentheses.
A transcript is to identify the jurors actually impaneled by juror number only.
B. Event.
A parenthetical expression describing an action in the proceeding should start with the time of
the event, if applicable. These actions include the times at which a proceeding began and
concluded, the time of each adjournment or recess, if any, and the times at which a jury is
excused to deliberate and returned to the courtroom for any reason.
Examples:
(Prospective jurors sworn on their voir dire.)
(Counsel exercised the right of peremptory challenge and jury duly impaneled.)
(Having been examined on voir dire, the Defendant being present at all bench conferences
during which jurors were examined, or having waived his presence, counsel exercised the right
to peremptory challenge, and the following jurors were impaneled: (insert juror numbers.)
(Jury sworn.)
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 29
(Counsel and Defendant(s) returned to trial tables, and the following occurred in open court:)
(At (time), off record (opening or closing) statement by (counsel) on behalf of (State/Plaintiff or
Defendant.)
(At (time), off record rebuttal argument by (counsel’s name) on behalf of State/Plaintiff.) (At
(time), on the record (opening or closing) statement by (counsel) on behalf of (State/Plaintiff or
Defendant.)
(At (time), on the record rebuttal argument by (counsel) on behalf of State/Plaintiff.) (Open
Court.)
(At bench.)
(At (time), recess in proceeding.) (Jury not present on reconvening.) (Witness approached
diagram.)
(Off record discussion between counsel and Defendant(s).) (Off record bench conference with
counsel.)
(Off record bench conference with counsel and Defendant.) ((Item) marked for identification as
State’s Exhibit No. 1.) ((Item) marked into evidence as Defendant’s Exhibit No. 2.) (At (time),
witness entered room.)
((Name) was duly sworn according to law by the Clerk to interpret for the Defendant. The
Defendant was questioned and responded through the interpreter as follows:)
((Name), an interpreter, was sworn by the Clerk.)
(At (time), altercation erupted in courtroom between witness and Defendant.) (At (time),
deposition of (deponent) read into record as follows:)
(At (time), reading of deposition concluded.) (At (time), witness excused.)
(At (time), jury excused from courtroom.) (At (time), luncheon recess taken.)
(At (time), trial adjourned until (time/date).) (At (time), bailiff sworn to take charge of jury.)
(At (time), jury retired to jury room to begin deliberations.)
(At (time), jury returned to courtroom with question and the following occurred:) (At (time), jury
returned with verdict.)
(At time, proceeding concluded.)
C. Non-Verbal Response.
On occasion, a witness will give a non-verbal response. It is the responsibility of counsel to
follow up such response with a question to clarify the answer and to admonish the witness to
answer audibly. More often than not, however, counsel accepts a nod for a “yes” and proceeds
to the next question. The following parentheticals may be used:
Examples:
(No audible response.) (No response.)
(Witness shaking head [side to side].) (Witness nodding head [up and down].)
D. Omissions.
A transcript is to signal omission of parts of a proceeding and give a brief explanation of the
omission. The explanation should distinguish between no sound (“inaudible”) and sound that
cannot be understood (“unintelligible”).
Examples:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 30
(Testimony of (Witness(es)’ Names) omitted from transcript by agreement of Counsel.)
(Inaudible)
(Unintelligible)
E. Sealed Transcripts.
While a transcript of a proceeding must be complete, there are instances in which the
transcript is not to be open to anyone other than the court.
Unless by rule, statute or other law another procedure for preparation or filing of a transcript of
a closed hearing is dictated, it is best if the judge identifies, on the record, the beginning and
end of that portion of the transcript to be sealed and whether counsel are to be provided with
copies.
An official reporter/transcriptionist is to file, with the clerk of the trial court, the original and
counsel’s copies and provide notice that the transcript is sealed.
F. Spacing.
There is to be double spacing between lines of a transcript.
G. Stricken Testimony.
Stricken testimony is transcribed in the same manner as other testimony. Even though a judge
might direct a reporter to “strike that last answer” and the jury “to disregard what the witness
said,” the reporter/transcriber transcribes the entire proceeding exactly as it took place. An
appellate court needs to know what was said – even if stricken.
Counsel’s request to “strike that” – i.e., a mis-start – should not be accommodated. An official
reporter/transcriptionist should not be editing dialogue in a proceeding, regardless of how
“innocent” the editing seems. An official reporter/transcriptionist is not, even on the order of a
judge, to strike from the record that which actually took place.
IX. Type.
Type is to be 10 characters to the inch.
X. Volumes.
An official reporter/transcriptionist is to bind each day of trial in a separate volume and number
each volume in Roman numerals.
Each new Volume is to start with page 1.
Volumes are to be designated to show the volume number for each day and the number of
days.
Examples:
“VOLUME I of I” denotes one volume for a one-day trial.
“VOLUME I of II” and “VOLUME II of II” denote the first and second volume of a two-day
proceeding.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 31
Transcript Page Rates
Charges: The regular page rate charges for producing transcripts shall not to exceed the
following rates:
Item
Charge
For the paper original of a transcript
$3.00 per page
For the paper first copy
$0.50 per page
For the paper second copy
$0.25 per page
TOTAL for a paper Original and electronic
copy
$3.75 per page
Expedited Delivery: The expedited delivery page rate shall not to exceed the following rates:
Item
Charge
21-day delivery – original order
$3.75 per page/Copy $0.50 per page
15-day delivery – original order
$4.50 per page/Copy $0.50 per page
10-day delivery – original order
$5.00 per page/Copy $0.50 per page
5-day delivery – original order
$6.00 per page/Copy $0.50 per page
Daily delivery – original order
(delivery by 9:00 a.m. next business day)
$7.00 per page/Copy $0.50 per page
Same Day delivery – original order
(delivery by 10 p.m. same day)
$8.00 per page/Copy $0.50 per page
**Rates do not include reasonable costs for courier, shipping, or postal delivery of the
finished transcript; there will be an additional charge for that service if required.
Transcript Examples and Checklists
Please note that the margins, font, and other attributes of the samples contained in this Section
have been adjusted to accommodate the format of this Section and do not necessarily comport
with the requirements set forth in this Manual. Electronic versions of the samples in the proper
format will be available on the Judiciary’s website at www.courts.state.md.us.
I. Sample Title Pages.
• Sample Title Page for Civil Proceeding Other Than Juvenile
• First Sample Title Page for Criminal Proceeding
• Second Sample Title Page for Criminal Proceeding
• Third Sample Title Page for Criminal Proceeding
• First Sample Title Page for Juvenile Proceeding
• Second Sample Title Page for Juvenile Proceeding
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 32
SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR CIVIL PROCEEDING OTHER THAN JUVENILE
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 33
FIRST SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 34
SECOND SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 35
THIRD SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 36
FIRST SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR JUVENILE PROCEEDING
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 37
SECOND SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR JUVENILE PROCEEDING
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 38
II. Sample Table of Contents.
First Sample Table of Contents.
Second Sample Table of Contents.
FIRST SAMPLE TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE – PAGE 1 OF 2
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 39
FIRST SAMPLE TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE – PAGE 2 OF 2
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 40
SECOND SAMPLE TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 41
III. Voir Dire.
A. Transcribed Jury Voir Dire.
If no jurors rise, use the following parenthetical: (No response.) If one or more prospective
jurors stand, use the colloquy format. Only identify jurors by their number rather than name.
Use “JUROR #” or other designation appropriate for your court.
On questions of a more personal nature, such as whether a juror has a family member who has
been a victim of a crime or convicted of a crime, a court may ask a juror who stands to come to
the bench for further questioning out of the public’s hearing.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 42
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 43
When all prospective jurors waiting to approach the bench have been examined enter:
B. Untranscribed Jury Voir Dire.
1. Criminal Proceeding.
There are few instances – particularly in criminal cases – when the parties should agree that any
part of the jury selection or impaneling not be transcribed. If, however, it is reported but the
parties to a criminal case agree that the voir dire examination not be transcribed, use a
parenthetical expression such as:
You must note each Defendant who is not present or waives the right to be present at a bench
conference.
2. Civil Proceeding.
For voir dire examination not being transcribed in a civil case, use a parenthetical expression
such as:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 44
IV. Opening Statements.
If the opening statements are not to be transcribed, use parentheticals such as:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 45
V. Testimony of Witnesses.
A. Routine Setup for Witness.
Reflect when a speaker is interrupted or clearly has a change of thought.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 46
B. Adverse Witness.
Examination of an adverse witness is designated in the record as Direct Examination.
C. Court’s Witness.
The Court may wish to hear from a person not called by either side.
Counsel may be invited to question the witness when the Court is finished, as to those matters
brought out by the Court. If so, indicate by:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 47
D. Party-Witness.
When sworn, a party is “THE WITNESS.” When excused, a party reverts to “THE DEFENDANT” or
“THE PLAINTIFF.”
E. Rebuttal and Surrebuttal Witnesses.
1. Rebuttal – Not Previously Sworn.
2. Rebuttal – Previously Sworn.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 48
3. Surrebuttal – Not Previously Sworn.
4. Surrebuttal – Previously Sworn.
F. Recalled Witness.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 49
G. Non-Verbal Responses.
An official reporter may ask for an audible response, in accordance with the Court’s protocol,
which should be established before the proceeding begins. A reporter/ transcriptionist may
describe a non-verbal response in an appropriate instance with a parenthetical such as:
1. Interpreter's Oath.
An interpreter is sworn to interpret faithfully and accurately, and the oath should be set out as
follows:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 50
2. Testimony.
If counsel and the interpreter are experienced, questions will be asked and answers will be
given in the first person, in which case, the questions and answers will be set out as they would
for any other witness. Unfortunately, this will not always be the case. For example, counsel may
say, “ask her whom she works for,” or an interpreter will say “she says she works for Mr.
Payne.” While this is the incorrect manner of proceeding through an interpreter, a reporter has
no control over the matter.
A witness may understand some questions well enough to answer without an interpreter. In
that case, put a notation that the answer is in English.
3. Guilty Plea with Interpreter.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 51
4. Non-Witness Party.
When an interpreter is sworn for a party who is not testifying, use the following parenthetical:
VI. Reading Back by Official Reporter.
To indicate an immediate request to read a question or answer, use the following:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 52
To indicate a request to read a part further back in the proceeding, use the following:
VII. Bench Conferences.
There are various types of bench conferences, both on and off the record.
For conferences during which an official reporter is asked to come to the bench, use one of the
following parentheticals and proceed in the colloquy form:
A conference is followed by one of the following parentheticals:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 53
For conferences during which a reporter is not at the bench, use one of the following
parentheticals:
VIII. Proceedings Outside Jury’s Hearing.
For comfort and convenience, a jury may be asked to go to and remain in the jury room until
called, in which case use the following parenthetical:
IX. Excerpts of Proceedings.
When only a portion of a proceeding is transcribed, on both the title page and the first page
after table of contents, use the following:
Matters that counsel agree need not be transcribed are to be indicated by a parenthetical such
as:
X. Quotations.
A. Normal Quotation.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 54
B. Partial Quotation.
C. Narrative Material.
D. Uncertainty About Quoted Versus Narrative Material.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 55
E. Deposition Read into Record.
When an entire deposition is read into the record, instead of using quotations, set up as
follows:
F. Part of Deposition Read to Witness.
When part of a deposition is read into the record, use quotations as follows:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 56
XI. Recess During Proceedings.
Colloquy usually indicates the length of the recess, so that only a starting time in the
parenthetical is necessary:
In a case continued after a luncheon recess, it is customary to make sure everyone else is in
place and ready to proceed before bringing the jury into the courtroom.
If the closing arguments are not to be transcribed, use one of the following parentheticals:
XII. Jury Verdict.
When the jury returns with a verdict, use the following parenthetical:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 57
XIII. Adjournment or Conclusion Of Proceeding.
When a trial concludes or adjourns, use one of the following:
When a proceeding, such as a motion hearing or guilty plea, is concluded use one of the
following:
If a case continued from a previous day, it is customary to make sure everyone else is in place
and ready to proceed before bringing the jury into the courtroom.
XIV. Transcript Certificate Page
A. Requirement.
Circuit courts adopted the custom of requiring official reporters to certify to the completeness
and accuracy of a transcript, primarily because they were being summoned too frequently in
post-conviction and other subsequent proceedings solely to testify that the transcript was their
work product and was a complete and accurate transcription. With the addition of the
certificate, counsel customarily stipulate that, if called to testify, the official reporter would so
testify – thereby calling to the court’s attention the fact that it has before it a certified
transcript. This reduces the need for a court to find a substitute while an official reporter
responds to a summons.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 58
B. Sample Court Reporter’s Certificate.
C. Sample Transcriber’s Certificate.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 59
D. Sample Transcript Certificate Page Prepared by Another.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 60
E. Sample Grand Jury Certificate.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 61
XV. Sample Grand Jury Transcript.
Sample Grand Jury Transcript – Page 1 of 3
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 62
Sample Grand Jury Transcript – Page 2 of 3
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 63
Sample Grand Jury Transcript – Page 3 of 3
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 64
XVI. Sample Trial Transcript.
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 1 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 65
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 2 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 66
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 3 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 67
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 4 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 68
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 5 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 69
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 6 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 70
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 7 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 71
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 8 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 72
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 9 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 73
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 10 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 74
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 11 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 75
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 12 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 76
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 13 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 77
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 14 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 78
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 15 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 79
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 16 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 80
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 17 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 81
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 18 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 82
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 19 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 83
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 20 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 84
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 21 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 85
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 22 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 86
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 23 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 87
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 24 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 88
Sample Trial Transcript – Page 25 of 25
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 89
XVII. Sample Notice of Sealed Transcript.
If a court orders a transcript, or a portion of it, to be sealed, a notice such as the following
should be filed with the clerk:
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 90
7 Audio Requests
Access to Audio Recordings
Electronic Audio Recording of circuit court proceedings, as per MD Rule §16-504(h), shall be
provided to all authorized parties upon written request and payment of reasonable costs to
make the copy.
Access to Audio/Video Recordings
If a jurisdiction records video within the courtroom along with the audio of court proceedings,
there are limitations on who and how they may access the audio-video recording.
Access to the audio-video is permitted in two ways:
1. Right to Listen and View Audio-Video Recording – MD Rule §16-504(i). Generally, unless
a court proceeding is closed to the public, any person may make a written request to
listen and view the audio-video recording. The court shall designate the time and place
to allow this access.
2. Right to Obtain Copy of Audio-Video Recording – MD Rule §16-504(j). Access to a copy
of the audio-video recording is very limited. Only those individuals identified in the Rule
are permitted to receive a copy.
Audio and Audio-Video Distribution Format
Public Access Format Standards: Windows Media Audio (WMA) should be the digital audio file
standard for public access. Windows Media Video (WMV) should be the standard for video. If
notes are provided, it is recommended that they should be embedded in the accompanying
PDF/A-2 document.
Media for the Record: The system should support any digital media, as court requirements vary.
DVD/CD usage is somewhat problematic as these media are prone to physical issues –
scratches. Therefore, courts should also consider the use of solid state drives including USB
“thumb drives” as storage and distribution media. Another option is to provide controlled
online streaming of the digital file as access can be controlled by time and user identification.
This option also allows the court to immediately remove or revoke access to the file if needed.
Audio Request Form
While the process may vary slightly in each jurisdiction, all jurisdictions shall have a custodian of
record, who will assist with audio requests. A request form shall be available to the public,
online or per request. The sample form which follows is an approved template for this purpose.
District Court Audio Requests
As a unified statewide court, the District Court process is the same in all jurisdictions. In order
to request an audio recording, the DCA27 form must be completed. The District Court will make
the recording available to the requestor in either electronic or CD format at the requestor’s
discretion.
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 91
CIRCUIT COURT FOR (COUNTY/CITY), MARYLAND
COURT REPORTING SERVICES
PHONE: _________; FAX: _____________
REQUEST FOR COPY OF AUDIO RECORDING
Date: _______________________________
To: (Name/Court Reporting Coordinator)
Circuit Court for (County/City)
Address
Address
CASE NUMBER: __________________ CASE NAME:______________________________________
(Only One Case Number Per Form)
DATE(S) OF PROCEEDINGS: JUDGE/MAGISTRATE:
________________________ __________________________________________________________
________________________ __________________________________________________________
________________________ __________________________________________________________
REQUESTED BY:________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: CONTACT INFORMATION:
______________________________ PHONE: ____________________________________________
______________________________ FAX: _______________________________________________
______________________________ EMAIL:_____________________________________________
Are you a party or an attorney representing a party in this case? YES: NO:
Except for proceedings closed pursuant to law, as otherwise provided by rule, or as ordered by the court, Maryland
Rule 16-504 provides in part that upon written request and the payment of reasonable costs, the authorized
custodian of an official recording shall make a copy of the audio recording available to any person.
SIGNATURE OF THE REQUESTOR: ______________________________________________________
NoteOnly transcripts prepared and certified by the court’s approved transcriptionists are deemed official and can
be admitted as evidence. Audio records are $_____ per hearing date. Payment in full must be received before
your order is processed. We accept ____________________________ made payable to
___________________________. We cannot accept ________________________. Completed orders left in this
office longer than 30 days will be destroyed and your payment will be forfeited.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
DATE ESTIMATE PROVIDED _____ DATE PRODUCED ______ INITIALS OF EMPLOYEE _____
DATE PICKED UP ________________ NAME OF INDIVIDUAL _________________________
Court Reporting Manual
01/25/2023 Page 92
8 Maryland Laws and Reference
Section 1 -
• No reference
Section 2 -
• Maryland Rule 16-505
• Maryland Rule 8-411
• Maryland Rule 7-102
Section 3 -
• No reference
Section 4 -
• Courts & Judicial Proceedings 2-501
• Maryland Rule 16-505
• Title 18 of the Maryland Rules
Section 5 -
• Maryland Rule 2-415
• Maryland Rule 2-416
Section 6 -
• Miller –El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S. 322 (2003)
• Wooten-Bey v. State, 318 Md. 301 (1990)
• CJ 3-827
• CJ 3-8A-27
Section 7 -
• Maryland Rule 16-504
