Attorneys rely on court transcriptions to be a word-for-word transcript of everything that was said during a proceeding. Having a text-based record is a lot faster to search through and highlight. Since depositions and preliminary hearings are crucial for evidentiary purposes—and trial transcriptions are necessary for appeals—the role of the court reporter can’t be emphasized enough.

Anyone who has watched a court reporter transcribe proceedings knows how quickly they have to work (up to 300 or more words per minute). While they’re trained to use special machines to take down the written record, that doesn’t mean they’ll catch everything. Artificial intelligence (AI) courtroom dictation and transcription software can provide a lot of assistance.

Here’s how AI transcription software can help a court reporter create a more accurate record.

What is AI transcription software?

AI has come a long way in recent decades. Today’s technology makes it very easy for a computer to recognize jargon-heavy speech and accurately translate it to text. During a fast-paced legal hearing, this allows a court reporter to correct errors and designate different speakers, while the AI software does a large portion of the work.

You’ve probably used AI transcription software if you’ve ever used your phone or Microsoft Word’s speech-to-text features. Whether you’re driving in your car and need to send a text, or are in a courtroom, it’s an incredibly useful tool.

Benefits of AI transcription

You’re probably used to seeing court reporters with their special keyboards—these machines allow reporters to rapidly transcribe words by pressing a sequence of keys based on phonetic sounds. AI transcription software automatically transcribes what a person is saying. A vast library of recognized words allows the transcription software to “listen” and translate that speech to words.

Here are a few of the benefits of AI transcription:

• Helps courts operate efficiently: Since AI transcription software is so accurate and fast, it allows courts to process transcripts a lot faster than with traditional court reporting. In some cases, a human court reporter or transcriptionist will simply review the recordings after they happen. This can help courts overcome their chronic backlogs.
• Allows court reporters to focus on correcting errors: Instead of trying to catch every word as it’s spoken, AI transcription software makes it possible for court reporters to focus on correcting errors. Some digital transcription technology allows the court reporter to review a live transcript as they proceedings occur, then correct any errors.
• Can “listen” to multiple speakers at once: It’s hard to understand when multiple people are speaking at the same time—which is why court reporters get so frustrated when it happens. AI transcription technology makes it possible to listen to lawyers, judges and witnesses all at the same time. You won’t miss a word.

AI transcription is a great tool for the legal profession and beyond. While we may always need a court reporter’s human touch, making courtroom dictation easier is always a good thing. Call Efficiency, Inc. to find the right courtroom dictation software for your practice.