What does the term "per diem" refer to in court reporting?

The term "per diem" refers to payment for services rendered on a daily basis. In the context of court reporting, this means that a court reporter is compensated for each day they work, rather than being paid hourly or for the total number of pages produced. This daily rate typically encompasses the entire day of work, which may include attending court, preparing transcripts, and any additional duties performed on that day.

Using a per diem payment structure can be beneficial for both the court reporter and the hiring party, providing clarity and predictability regarding compensation. It allows court reporters to have a clear understanding of their earnings based on the number of days worked, which is particularly useful for those who may work in multiple jurisdictions or for various clients on a short-term basis.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of "per diem." Payment on an hourly basis or based on the number of pages transcribed focuses on different compensation structures, while freelance reporting refers to the nature of work arrangement rather than payment terms.