How many words per minute must court reporters typically be able to transcribe in Hawaii?

Court reporters in Hawaii are generally required to transcribe at a speed of 225 words per minute. This speed is crucial because court reporters must accurately and efficiently capture spoken dialogue during proceedings, which often includes complex language and quick exchanges. The ability to transcribe at this rate ensures that the official record is both comprehensive and precise.

Transcribing at 225 words per minute allows court reporters to keep pace with the fast nature of courtroom discussions, including witness testimonies and attorney arguments. This requirement reflects the high standards expected in the legal profession, where the written record is essential for appeals, case reviews, and maintaining the integrity of judicial proceedings. Meeting this speed is indicative of the reporter's proficiency in using shorthand or steno machines, which are specifically designed for capturing high volumes of speech quickly and accurately.