Legal transcription demands a specialized skillset, particularly a strong understanding of legal terminology. While some terms like ‘judge’ or ‘court’ are commonly understood, many others remain obscure to those outside the legal profession. Furthermore, legal documents often feature complex sentence structures, presenting unique challenges for transcriptionists. This guide offers insights into essential legal terms and proven strategies for accurate and efficient legal transcription.
Key Legal Terms for Transcriptionists:
Understanding these terms is crucial for accurate legal transcription:
1. Arbitration: A method of resolving disputes outside of court, where parties agree to be bound by an arbitrator’s decision.
2. Assignment: The transfer of legal rights from one party to another.
3. Bankruptcy: A legal process governed by federal law for individuals or entities unable to pay their debts.
4. Bifurcation: Dividing a trial into two distinct phases, typically liability and damages.
5. Certiorari: An order from a higher court to review the proceedings of a lower court.
6. Deed: A legal document describing property and its boundaries.
7. Defamation: The publication of a statement that harms a person’s reputation.
8. Deposition: Testimony given under oath before a trial.
9. Escrow: An arrangement where assets are held by a third party until specific conditions are met, often used in real estate transactions.
10. Foreclosure: The process by which a lender seizes and sells property when a borrower defaults on a loan.
11. Immunity: Exemption from a legal duty or penalty.
12. Implied Warranty: A guarantee imposed by law on the sale of goods.
13. Intestate: Dying without a will.
14. Plaintiff: The party who initiates a lawsuit.
15. Pro Se: Representing oneself in court without an attorney.
16. Quash: To invalidate or nullify a legal action.
17. Slander: Defamatory statements made orally.
18. Subpoena: A court order compelling a person to appear in court or produce documents.
19. Voir Dire: The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability.
Tips for Effective Legal Transcription:
To excel as a legal transcriptionist, consider these best practices:
1. Active Listening: Listen attentively to legal phrases and segments of speech before transcribing. Repeat as needed for clarity.
2. Contextual Understanding: Ensure a correct interpretation of legal terminology.
3. Analyze Dictation: Pay attention to the speaker’s voice, and follow it as a guide.
4. Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for each project. A one-hour audio file may require 3-4 hours of transcription time, depending on speed and complexity.
5. Review and Refine: Review the transcribed document thoroughly, applying relevant rules and guidelines.
6. Utilize Legal Resources: Consult legal reference materials, including appendices, prefixes, and suffixes, when necessary.
7. Edit for Accuracy: Ensure the final transcript is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
8. Proofread Diligently: Proofread the transcript with meticulous attention to detail to guarantee 100% accuracy.
Legal transcription involves converting audio files into accurate written documents. Modern technology has enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of this process, making it an indispensable part of the legal field.