What equipment do court reporters typically use to transcribe proceedings?

Court reporters primarily use shorthand machines and digital recorders to accurately capture and transcribe spoken words during legal proceedings. Shorthand machines allow court reporters to write quickly using a system of symbols or abbreviations that represent words or phrases, enabling them to keep up with the fast pace of conversation in a courtroom setting. This specialized equipment is designed for efficiency and precision.

Digital recorders are also utilized to create audio recordings of the proceedings, providing an additional layer of accuracy and a means for verification. These recordings can be especially useful for reviewing unclear sections or ensuring that all spoken content is accounted for, which is crucial in legal contexts where the record must be complete and reliable.

The other options presented do not align with the typical practices within the court reporting field, as typewriters and notepads lack the speed and efficiency required in real-time transcription, while voice recorders and teleprompters do not fulfill the specialized needs of court reporting. Video cameras and computers, while helpful for various types of recording and production, are not standard for live transcription in court proceedings.